The Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district is set to restart on Sunday, 19 days after a deadly landslide forced authorities to suspend the pilgrimage.The annual journey to the cave shrine was stopped on 26 August when a cloudburst triggered a landslide at Adhkuwari in the Trikuta Hills. The disaster killed 34 people and left 20 others injured, making it the longest break in the yatra since the Covid-19 shutdown.Announcing the resumption, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB) posted on X, “Jai Mata Di! The Vaishno Devi Yatra will resume from September 14 (Sunday), subject to favourable weather conditions.”Officials explained that the suspension had been necessary due to harsh weather and urgent repairs to the pilgrimage route. “The Yatra will resume as scheduled, provided weather conditions remain favourable,” the Board said.The SMVDB urged pilgrims to carry valid identification, stick to marked tracks and cooperate with support staff along the route. It also confirmed that RFID-based tracking would continue to be compulsory.”RFID-based tracking will remain mandatory for transparency and traceability. For live updates, booking services, and helpline support, devotees are encouraged to visit the Shrine Board’s official website,” the announcement added. The Board thanked devotees for their patience and understanding. “The resumption of the Yatra marks a reaffirmation of our collective faith and resilience. The Board remains committed to upholding the sanctity, safety, and dignity of this revered pilgrimage,” a spokesperson said.During the suspension, restoration work was carried out on the damaged track and commercial structures in Katra, with authorities stressing that pilgrim safety remained their top concern.
