Katra, 24 January. Keeping safety in mind, due to heavy snowfall in Katra and Bhawan area, the administration had banned the yatra for a few hours. The risk to the safety of the pilgrims had increased due to heavy snow accumulation and increased slippage on the paths of Mata Bhavan and Ardhakunwari. Due to low visibility and severe cold, the journey had to be put on hold for about 8 hours.

As soon as the weather improved slightly, the Shrine Board staff started clearing snow from the main road and stairs with the help of machines and labourers. As soon as the path was cleared, the devotees were allowed to proceed again. Thousands of devotees were stranded in Katra and Base Camp due to the halt of the Yatra, but as soon as the announcement of resumption of the Yatra was made, the entire area echoed with the chants of Jai Mata Di.

Guidelines for devotees

The temperature at the building is going below zero, so take heavy woolen clothes, gloves and a hat with you. Helicopter and ropeway services may be halted intermittently depending on weather conditions. Before starting the journey, definitely get information at the local counter. After snowfall, the roads become slippery, so climb only wearing comfortable and grippy shoes.

The weather may worsen again

The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for those traveling to Vaishno Devi and other hilly areas. According to the latest forecast, the weather pattern is going to deteriorate once again. Meteorologists predict that from the night of January 26, the direction of the winds will change and the sky will start becoming cloudy. Light to moderate rain may occur in many hilly areas till January 27. At the same time, there is every possibility of snow falling in high altitude areas. The department has predicted heavy snowfall, especially in the high mountains, which may affect roads and traffic.