The sacred pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi temple was temporarily suspended on March 21, 2026, due to heavy rush amid the ongoing Chaitra Navratri. But pilgrims can now take a sigh of relief as the yatra has resumed after a brief pause, and registration has begun again at Katra. Here is all you need to know.
Why Was The Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended?
According to News18, the authorities had to temporarily suspend the Mata Vaishno Devi yatra on March 21, 2026, after around 39,000 devotees gathered to visit the shrine. This made it difficult to manage the crowd. The number of devotees has increased in recent days because of the ongoing Chaitra Navratri, which started on March 19 and will continue till March 27. Every year, during this time, the temple sees a huge rush of devotees.
Reportedly, more than 39,000 people reached Katra on March 21, and over 5,000 more pilgrims were also on their way after completing registration. This is why the yatra was suspended. However, the pilgrimage has now resumed along with registrations at Katra. So far, more than one lakh devotees have offered prayers at the temple in recent days.
Also Read: Starting At ₹36,800, South Summer Rail Has 13-Day Vaishno Devi & Kashmir Packages
How Can You Register For The Yatra?
On the occasion of Chaitra Navratri, the temple has been decorated with beautiful flowers and lights for a festive look. Images of the yatra are going viral on social media.
Now, if you are planning to go on the yatra for the first time, here is how you can register. You can simply register online by following these steps:
- Visit the official website of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
- Sign up as a ‘New Devotee’ and create a user ID and password.
- Log in and select the ‘Yatra Parchi’ option.
- Enter all the required details and download your slip. That’s it.
If you are finding it tough to register online, don’t worry. You can also register in person at the Yatra Registration Counters (YRC), which are located in Katra. These counters are open for devotees for registration and queries.
Please note that every pilgrim has to get registered for the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra and collect their RFID-based Yatra Access Card. This card helps track movement, manage crowds, and ensure safety.
Also Read: Char Dham Yatra 2026: Start Date, Booking Steps & All You Need To Know
So, are you planning a yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi in the coming days?
Cover Image Courtesy: Vaishno Devi, Wikipedia/
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FAQs
Where is Mata Vaishno Devi temple located?
Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is located in the Trikuta Mountains in Katra, within the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.