Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Focuses on Better Pilgrim Experience
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board continues to strengthen facilities and arrangements for devotees visiting the revered shrine atop the Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya said the board remains committed to improving every aspect of the pilgrimage to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for visitors.
He expressed satisfaction over the sharp rise in pilgrim arrivals during the New Year period and said the administration has made adequate arrangements to handle the increased rush without inconvenience to devotees.
Heavy Influx During New Year Celebrations
According to the CEO, the shrine has witnessed a steady flow of pilgrims over the past few days, coinciding with New Year celebrations.
He said arrangements related to accommodation, security deployment, and queue management for darshan have been strengthened to manage the surge efficiently.
Vaishya noted that the encouraging turnout has lifted spirits after a challenging year and expressed confidence that pilgrim numbers will continue to grow in 2026.
‘Sadhana Kaksh’ Draws Positive Response
One of the recent additions at the shrine, the ‘Sadhana Kaksh’ or meditation hall at the Bhawan, has received an enthusiastic response from devotees. The facility was dedicated on December 13 to provide pilgrims with a quiet space for prayer and meditation during the yatra.
The CEO said the one-hour meditation arrangement has added value to the spiritual journey and has been well received by visitors seeking moments of calm and reflection.
Annual Footfall Sees Sharp Decline in 2025
Despite the recent surge, the overall pilgrim count for 2025 fell below the 70-lakh mark. Officials said around 69 lakh devotees visited the shrine during the year, a significant drop compared to more than 94.8 lakh pilgrims recorded last year.
The decline of over 27 per cent has been attributed to a combination of security-related incidents and prolonged weather disruptions, which affected travel and pilgrimage plans for many devotees.
Continuous Efforts to Upgrade Facilities
Vaishya said the shrine board is not complacent and continues to work on improving infrastructure and services. Security, accommodation, sanitation, and darshan arrangements remain top priorities.
He added that several development projects are nearing completion and will further strengthen facilities for pilgrims.
The board aims to ensure that devotees leave with a positive experience and share it with others, helping restore confidence in religious tourism in the region.
The shrine board believes these sustained efforts will help stabilise and grow pilgrim footfall in the coming years.
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