Sharp Decline in Devotees at Vaishno Devi: Why Pilgrims Are Not Flocking to the Goddess
Sharp Decline in Devotees at Vaishno Devi: Why Pilgrims Are Not Flocking to the Goddess
Sharp Decline in Devotees at Vaishno Devi: Pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi sees a sharp decline during Diwali. Learn why devotees are visiting in smaller numbers, how it impacts local businesses, and what to expect in the coming weeks.
The number of devotees visiting Mata Vaishno Devi has seen a noticeable decline this festive season, leaving local businesses and service providers, including horsemen and porters, concerned about reduced footfall. Traditionally, Diwali is a peak season for pilgrimages, but this year, the crowds at Vaishno Devi have been thinner than usual, offering a quieter and hassle-free experience for the visiting devotees.
Sharp Decline in Devotees at Vaishno Devi: Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra
With fewer pilgrims, devotees are experiencing shorter waiting times for registration and darshan. After the divine darshan at Vaishno Devi Bhawan, many are proceeding to Bhairav Valley, paying their respects at the sacred feet of Baba Bhairavnath, completing the customary pilgrimage route. Additionally, visitors are exploring the ancient Garbh Joon Cave within the religious Adkwari temple complex, deepening their spiritual journey.
At the base camp in Katra, daily footfall has significantly dropped. Currently, around 8,000 to 10,000 pilgrims are arriving each day, much lower than the usual peak season numbers. The weather, with clear skies, sunny spells, and cool breezes on Friday, has made the pilgrimage comfortable, encouraging devotees to use the available facilities efficiently.
Pilgrims are making the most of the helicopter services, battery-powered cars, and car-only transportation options to reach Mata Vaishno Devi. These services ensure a smooth and convenient journey, allowing devotees to focus on devotion rather than logistics. Experts suggest that this lull is temporary, with expectations of a resurgence in pilgrims following the Diwali festival. Local businesses and the tourism sector are eagerly awaiting the post-festival surge in visitors.
Pilgrimage Decline
Statistics from October 9 indicate that around 7,800 devotees visited Vaishno Devi, while by 4 PM on Friday, nearly 4,600 pilgrims had completed registration and were en route to the Bhawan. A few additional devotees continued to arrive later in the day, reflecting a steady, albeit reduced, flow of visitors.
The decline in pilgrim numbers has mixed implications. For devotees, it provides a peaceful and organized experience, free from long queues and overcrowding. However, for local service providers—such as horsemen, porters, and small businesses dependent on the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra—the decrease has resulted in lower earnings and diminished activity. Many hope that the upcoming festive weekends will bring back the crowds, restoring normalcy and economic vitality to the region.
Despite the lower footfall, the devotion among the pilgrims remains unwavering. Pilgrims continue to follow the age-old rituals, visiting Bhairav Valley, the Garbh Joon Cave, and offering prayers with heartfelt sincerity. The combination of modern facilities and spiritual sanctity ensures that every visit to Mata Vaishno Devi remains memorable, even in times of reduced crowds.
Diwali pilgrimage
As the post-Diwali period approaches, tourism and pilgrimage experts anticipate a rebound in pilgrim numbers, promising a lively and bustling atmosphere at Vaishno Devi Bhawan once again. Until then, devotees and visitors have the rare opportunity to experience the sacred pilgrimage with tranquility, capturing the true essence of devotion in an almost exclusive spiritual journey.
