‘Fully respect religious sentiments’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 9: Nearly 23.5 lakh pilgrims have visited holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji located between Trikuta Hills in Katra this year so far, recording an increase of around 1.5 lakh as compared to previous two years.
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Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) CEO Sachin Kumar Vaishya told reporters in Katra, the base camp of the shrine, today that 23.5 lakh pilgrims visited the shrine this year so far, surpassing the numbers for same period during 2024 and 2025 by 1.5 lakh.
“We are fully confident that number of the pilgrims will continue to increase. The Board also appeals to the people to visit the shrine,” he said.
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Vaishya said every year the Shrine Board improves facilities for the devotees so that the pilgrims return with better experience.
“The staying capacity at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan is being increased. Skywalk is functioning and an exit route is being constructed,” he said.
The SMVDSB CEO said the Shrine Board has also been helping local sportspersons in different fields and recently Payal won two gold medals while Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar have also made names for them.
On recent controversy over a video, Vaishya said he fully respects religious sentiments. However, he added, the video was distorted.
“I have stressed that public welfare measures shouldn’t wait for inaugurations,” he said, adding he always respect the traditions.
Presently, around 25,000 to 30,000 pilgrims are daily reaching Katra for darshan of Goddess Vaishno Devi Ji.
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