Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has decided to increase the quota of shrine visitors from outside Jammu & Kashmir. The number has been raised from 100 to 500. Also, accommodations for pilgrims are now open, and the Board has also started with home delivery of Prasad in the country. However, there is no change in the total number of pilgrims who can visit the shrine. Read on to know more.
Quota For Visitors From Outside Of J&K Increased To 500
The cave shrine of Vaishno Devi was reopened for pilgrims from August 16, after staying shut for five months due to the coronavirus pandemic. So, the number of pilgrims allowed per day was 2,000. Out of these, 1,900 were allowed from J&K, and a quota of 100 was kept for those arriving from outside the union territory. Now, the Shrine Board has raised this quota to 500. According to sources, the authority has claimed that the pilgrimage is proceeding smoothly.
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Accommodations For Pilgrims Visiting Vaishno Devi Are Now Open
According to India Times, Ramesh Kumar, the CEO of the Shrine Board has said that accommodations for pilgrims at Bhawan, Adhkuwari, Katra and Jammu are open now. Also, other services like battery-operated vehicles, passenger ropeway and helicopters are also functioning. All of these have been following strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has introduced home delivery of Prasad in India as well.
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Who Can Visit Vaishno Devi For Now?
Children under the age of 10, pregnant women, people with co-morbidities and those over 60 years should ideally avoid the pilgrimage. This is to ensure their own safety. Kumar further added that people coming from red zones of J&K, and those from outside the union territory need Covid-19 negative reports. These are checked at the entry points of Darshani Deodi, Banganga and Katra, and the helipad. Jammu & Kashmir has reported 43,557 Covid-19 cases, with 784 deaths so far. The weekend registered a sudden spike in the number of cases in the union territory. So till then, here’s a virtual tour of Jammu for you.