Why Are Fewer Devotees Visiting Maa Vaishno Devi During Sharadiya Navratri 2025?

Why Are Fewer Devotees Visiting Maa Vaishno Devi? The number of pilgrims visiting Maa Vaishno Devi during Sharadiya Navratri 2025 has dropped drastically. Know the reasons behind the decline, from disrupted train services to heavy rains affecting travel routes.

Katra, Jammu & Kashmir — The holy festival of Sharadiya Navratri 2025 has brought vibrant celebrations at the revered shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi, yet the number of devotees arriving for darshan has seen a sharp decline compared to previous years. Traditionally, 35,000–40,000 pilgrims arrive daily during Navratri, but this year the numbers have fallen drastically to around 12,000–15,000 per day, raising concerns among local businesses and devotees alike.

Devotees Seek Blessings Amid Festive Atmosphere

The Bhawan complex of Maa Vaishno Devi is beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and special pandals, creating a divine atmosphere. Devotees who reach the shrine immerse themselves in bhajans and hymns, bowing at the feet of Maa Vaishno Devi with prayers for happiness, prosperity, and peace.

Despite the devotional ambiance, the festive season is not witnessing the usual rush of pilgrims. The chants of “Jai Mata Di” may still echo in the hills of Trikuta, but the crowd is visibly thinner than expected.

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Why Are Fewer Devotees Visiting Maa Vaishno Devi? Security & Management in Place

To ensure smooth arrangements, security forces, SDRF teams, and Shrine Board officials are stationed across the pilgrimage route. Special attention has been given to areas prone to landslides. Sanitation workers are also continuously engaged in keeping the complex clean.

Why Has the Number of Pilgrims Dropped?

The major reason for the reduced turnout is disruption in transport connectivity. Recent heavy rainfall in North India and Jammu & Kashmir has damaged several railway tracks and roadways, directly impacting pilgrim inflow to Katra, the base camp for the shrine.

The limited train services to Katra Railway Station have further worsened the situation, leaving thousands of devotees unable to reach the holy destination.

Impact on Local Business

Shopkeepers, hoteliers, and transport operators in Katra, who usually thrive during Navratri, are facing a slowdown. Many express hope that once railway services resume fully, the Vaishno Devi yatra will regain momentum.

A local trader stated, “In earlier years, Navratri brought a wave of prosperity with lakhs of pilgrims visiting the shrine. This year, due to rain and train issues, our business has dropped by half. We are still optimistic that the numbers will pick up.”

Why Are Fewer Devotees Visiting Maa Vaishno Devi? Pilgrim Numbers at a Glance

September 22 (First Navratri): 13,600 devotees

September 23 (Second Navratri): 12,589 devotees

September 24 (Third Navratri): 14,526 devotees

September 25 (till 2 PM): Around 7,000 devotees registered and began their journey

Though the flow of pilgrims continues, the cumulative turnout is far below average for this sacred period.

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Outlook for Coming Days

With nine auspicious days of Navratri still underway, Shrine Board officials and local authorities remain hopeful. If weather conditions stabilize and transport services improve, the footfall at the Maa Vaishno Devi shrine may rise in the coming days, bringing relief to both devotees and the local economy.

For now, the grand decorations and devotional spirit continue to welcome those who manage to reach, ensuring that Sharadiya Navratri 2025 at Maa Vaishno Devi remains spiritually fulfilling, even if the numbers are lower.