The Vaishno Devi shrine, located in Jammu—often revered as the city of temples—has transformed into a hub of celebration as the holy Navratras commenced today. Hundreds of devotees are making their way to the revered mountain cave shrine of Vaishnodevi to pay their respects, while temples in and around Jammu are adorned festively.

The Chaitra Navratra festivities kicked off at Vaishno Devi Shrine with the sacred Shatchandi Yagya, complemented by enhanced facilities.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has introduced a variety of new and upgraded facilities to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for all visitors during this auspicious Chaitra Navratra period. Under the leadership of Chairman Manoj Sinha (Lieutenant Governor of JK-UT), the Board is focused on improving the overall pilgrimage experience for devotees. Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shrine Board, attended the initiation of the nine-day Shatchandi Yagya, surrounded by Vedic chants and other sacred rituals aimed at promoting peace and well-being during the Navratra.

Garg highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Shrine Board to enhance the pilgrimage experience, including the introduction of smart lockers, free public call booths, and special slots for ‘divyang’ (differently-abled) devotees to attend the Garbjoon Arti at Ardhkuwari and Atka Arti at the Bhawan.

Moreover, dedicated helicopter booking quotas and complimentary battery car services are available for differently-abled pilgrims. New resting and holding areas have been established at Banganga and Ardhkuwari to provide comfort in any weather, while the Inderprasth Bhojanalaya at Ardhkuwari has expanded to accommodate 200 devotees. The Langar facility has also been extended to Shubhra Bhawan at Banganga, complementing existing Langar services at Tarakote Marg, Sanjichhat, Adhkuwari, and Bhairon Ji, and offers fast-related food options for those observing fasts during their visit.

Around 200 smart lockers have been strategically placed near the Skywalk, providing a secure storage option for pilgrims. These lockers are integrated with RFID cards, ensuring that devotees can store their belongings safely.

To enhance communication for pilgrims—especially those with prepaid SIM cards—free public call office (PCO) facilities, in collaboration with Bharti Airtel, are available at multiple locations along the track. This addition allows devotees to stay connected with their families during their spiritual journey.

To help mitigate fatigue, resting cum holding areas have been created at Banganga and Ardhkuwari, with a total capacity for 2,000 pilgrims at a time. These covered areas offer a serene space to refresh, allowing devotees to continue their journeys with renewed energy and enthusiasm, regardless of the weather.

The Shrine Board has elegantly transformed the Bhawan, Atka, and surrounding areas into a radiant spiritual retreat for the visiting devotees. The elaborate decorations showcase a stunning array of indigenous and exotic fruits and flowers, grand reception doors, and beautifully designed pathways, while the Bhawan is adorned with mesmerizing colorful façade lights, creating an enchanting ambience.

To ensure a seamless and comfortable pilgrimage experience, the Shrine Board has implemented comprehensive arrangements, including 24/7 water and power supplies along the routes, sanitation facilities, and medical care. Additional services include battery-operated vehicles, passenger ropeways, and helicopter services for a hassle-free journey.

As part of the Navratri celebrations, the Shrine Board has organized captivating ‘Bhajan and Bhaint’ performances by renowned artists during the morning and evening Atka Arti, further enriching the experience for pilgrims and fostering an atmosphere of devotion and spirituality, added the CEO.