"Vaishno Devi Yatra Set to Resume After Tragedy – Shrine Board Issues Critical Weather Warning!"

Katra/Jammu (The Uttam Hindu): The long wait for devotees of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is finally coming to an end. Following last month’s deadly landslide, which led to the suspension of the pilgrimage, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has announced that the yatra is likely to resume from September 14, provided weather conditions remain favorable.

The Shrine Board confirmed that all repair work on the pilgrimage route—damaged due to heavy rains and landslides—has been completed. Prioritizing the safety of pilgrims, the board has made this decision with caution. However, it has also issued an appeal asking devotees to check the latest weather updates and adhere strictly to the advisories issued before beginning their journey. In case of adverse weather, further decisions will be taken accordingly.

It is important to note that on August 26, a tragic landslide near the Indraprastha Bhojanalaya in the Ardhkuwari area claimed the lives of 34 pilgrims and left many others injured. Following this incident, the pilgrimage was suspended indefinitely for safety reasons.

The news of the yatra’s resumption has brought joy to both local traders and devotees. With the Sharadiya Navratri beginning on September 22, local businesses had been urging the Shrine Board to provide clarity on the situation. The reopening of the yatra means that lakhs of devotees will once again have the opportunity to visit the holy shrine during the auspicious Navratri period.

In a related development, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has formed a three-member high-level committee to investigate the causes of the August 26 landslide. The committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.