Vaishno Devi Yatra Resumes Amid Tears and ‘Jai Mata Di’ Chants

The pilgrimage to the Trikuta hills shrine restarts after a deadly landslide claimed 34 lives, with devotees arriving in Katra in large numbers, saying faith kept them waiting through weeks of uncertainty.

By AMIT KUMAR

JAMMU, September 17, 2025 — After 22 days of silence, the sound of devotional songs and chants of “Jai Mata Di” once again echoed along the steep paths leading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. The yatra, suspended since August 26, 2025, due to a catastrophic landslide, reopened on Wednesday, allowing devotees to return to the sacred pilgrimage.

For many, the wait had been agonizing. The landslide, triggered by relentless rains, not only blocked paths but also took 34 lives and injured 20 others. The tragedy left scars on the community, with local residents recalling the chaos of that morning—pilgrims trapped, routes blocked, and rescue teams struggling against time and terrain.

Yet, faith endured. Among the first to arrive in Katra on reopening day was Sunita Sharma, a devotee from Delhi who had postponed her journey twice. “Every morning, I checked the Shrine Board’s updates. Today, stepping here feels like Mata herself called us,” she said, with tears welling up in her eyes.

Young first-time visitors like 19-year-old Rohit from Lucknow described the reopening as a blessing. “We came despite the risks because Mata protects her children. To be here after the long wait feels special.”

Shops in Katra reopened early, their owners greeting returning pilgrims like long-lost family. “Our livelihoods depend on the yatra. But beyond business, it feels like life in the town has restarted,” said Ramesh Gupta, a tea stall owner.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has urged pilgrims to stay updated through official communication channels and make bookings only via the official website. Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions closely to ensure safety.

For the devotees who resumed the climb up the Trikuta hills, the journey is more than a pilgrimage—it is a statement of resilience, faith, and remembrance for those lost in the landslide.

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About The Author

amitkumar

Amit Kumar is a senior Delhi-based journalist with over two decades of reporting experience. His past has been with The Hindustan Times, Mid-Day, and others.

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