Jammu, Sep 16: The yatra to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra town, nestled in Trikuta Hills in Reasi district, after having remained suspended for 22 days, will resume on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. However, the commencement of Yatra will, again, be subject to “favourable weather conditions.”
“Vaishno Devi Yatra shall resume from September 17, 2025 (Wednesday), subject to favourable weather conditions. Devotees are requested to stay updated through official communication channels,” Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) posted on its official ‘X’ handle.
The news of the commencement of Yatra has enthused both the pilgrims and the traders as Navratras are just around the corner.
The persisting suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra had caused trepidation among the trader community.
Holy shrine draws a huge rush of devotees during the auspicious occasion of Navratras every year. Navratras will begin from September 22.
Yatra, suspended since August 26, 2025, was earlier scheduled to recommence on Sunday, September 14, 2025. However, due to unrelenting rains at Bhawan and the track, on September 13, SMVDSB postponed its decision to recommence Yatra till further orders.
Weather conditions continued to remain inclement across Reasi district, including Katra, amid recurrent incidents of landslides along the Yatra track on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Meanwhile, in a compassionate outreach under Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, troops of White Knight Corps, in concert with the Indian Air Force and other civilian agencies, including the district administration, provided essential food supplies to disconnected residents of the village of Sarhi in Reasi district.
The ration supplies were airlifted to the rain-affected Sarhi village in Bhomag, isolated due to multiple landslides on the Reasi–Sarhi (via Tote) road, while the alternative Udhampur–Sarhi (via Moungri) route was blocked after the Thathi bridge was washed away.
“Although adequate ration stock is currently available, precautionary measures are being taken to avoid any shortages,” Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Malik said.
She emphasised that this intervention ensured that essential commodities could reach the residents despite the challenging terrain and adverse conditions.
The Deputy Commissioner further informed that reconstruction of the Thathi bridge was being taken up on priority with army support, while alternate routes and manual transportation options were also being explored.
“The timely effort ensured much-needed sustenance and relief for the affected families during this challenging period. The operation reflects the Armed Forces’ enduring ethos of “Seva aur Suraksha”, reaffirming its commitment to serve, support, and stand with the local populace in times of need. It also strengthens the deep bond of trust between the Armed Forces and the people,” the Army said.
