94.83 Lakh Pilgrims Visited Vaishno Devi Temple In 2024, 2nd Highest In A Decade
In 2024, approximately 94.83 lakh pilgrims visited the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, marking the second highest footfall in a decade.
Every year lakhs of pilgrims visit religious places across India. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the religious places which attracted thousands of devotees.
As per the data released by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) for the year 2024, about 94.83 lakh pilgrims pay obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in 2024. This is the second highest number in a decade. However, the footfall in the year 2024 is about 42,000 less than of the year 2023. In 2023, the annual pilgrimage stood at about 95.22 lakhs.
As per the data from SMVDSB website, about 1.04 crore pilgrims pay obeisance at the shrine in 2012. This is a all-time high record for the shrine board.
In 2020, the year Covid striked, about 17.20 lakh yatris were able to take the pilgrimage. However, the number jumped to 55.88 lakh in 2021, and 91.25 lakh in 2022.
The number of yatris visiting the shrine dropped from 93.24 lakh in 2013 to 78.03 lakh in 2014, 77.76 lakh in 2015 and 77.23 lakh in 2016. However, it increased to 81.78 lakh in 2017 and 85.87 lakh in 2018 before dropping again in 2019 to 79.40 lakh.
A report from India TV states that the SMVDSB will install 200 new CCTV cameras along the pilgrimage route to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience for visitors. The oficials also said that, in order to address safety concerns and streamline the darshan process amid the rising number of pilgrims, regular meetings are being held between the Shrine Board and the district administration.
In other news, a report from Jammu Link News said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has formed a four-member committee on Tuesday to hold talks with those protesting against the Katra ropeway project. The administration has also announced that it has taken the decision to release all those detained during protests.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said that the decisions were taken after holding detailed discussions with members of the civil society. "After the discussions, it was decided that all those detained will be released and the market will be reopened," he said. He later added that the work on the ropeway will remain suspended until the committee completes its discussions.
The ropeway project was aimed to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, reducing the strain of the 13-km trek to the shrine. However, the locals, including, pony and palanquin owners and shopkeepers have been protesting against the ropeway project as it will take a toll on their livelihoods.
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