The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has announced free accommodation for pilgrims in Katra. The number of devotees had come down amid Indo-Pak tensions. With this initiative, the devotees happily reached Katra and stayed in the Aashirwad complex. The board has taken a commendable step to help in times of crisis. If the number increases, the facility will be reviewed.
Due to the current tensions between India and Pakistan, the number of pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi has decreased. In response, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is taking steps to boost the number of visitors. On Sunday, the Shrine Board began announcing in Katra that free accommodation is available for all pilgrims arriving at the base camp in Katra for the pilgrimage to Maa Vaishno Devi.
Following the announcement, the pilgrims who arrived at Katra, the starting point for visiting Maa Vaishno Devi, headed to the Aashirwad complex. The joy was clear on the devotees' faces after they received the complimentary service.
Devotees Devendra Yadav, Santosh Yadav, and others mentioned that they departed from home with 14 family members on May 7 for a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi. During their journey, they visited various religious sites and arrived at the base camp in Katra on Sunday morning. There, they discovered the Shrine Board's amenities and proceeded to the Aashirwad complex, where the Shrine Board provides free lodging facilities.
Followers Santosh Yadav, Kaushal Yadav, Dheeraj Yadav, among others, mentioned that despite being informed about the ongoing circumstances in India and Pakistan, they felt summoned by Maa Vaishno Devi and, aided by her, arrived at her shrine without any apprehension.
Worshippers Sushila Yadav, Reena Yadav, Santoshi Yadav, Meena Yadav, and others mentioned that they are visiting Maa Vaishno Devi for the fifth time, having previously visited in 2024. They have conveyed their appreciation to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for offering all possible assistance to devotees during this challenging time, which they consider a praiseworthy action.
In the evening, devotees set out for the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, chanting slogans like 'Jai Mata Di', 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai', and 'Indian Army ki Jai'. The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has stated that the free accommodation service for devotees is currently available, but it will be reviewed daily. If the number of devotees increases, this service may be discontinued. Currently, the Shrine Board provides free lodging for devotees at the Aashirwad Complex in Katra, with 538 dormitory beds available for pilgrims.