The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed an extraordinary year of pilgrimage and local activism in 2024. According to Anshul Garg, the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), nearly 94.83 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the shrine, marking the second-highest number of visitors in a decade.
Pilgrimage Trends and Monthly Breakdown
The shrine experienced a consistent flow of devotees throughout the year, with monthly visitor numbers showing significant variation. In January 2024, 616,609 pilgrims visited the shrine, followed by 432,925 in February. The numbers peaked in May and June, with over 1.1 million pilgrims each month. This steady increase continued throughout the year, with the total pilgrim count expected to surpass 95 lakh by the end of December.
Ongoing Infrastructure and Visitor Experience
The Shrine Board has been actively working to enhance the pilgrimage experience. Recent additions include a skywalk at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, a Durga Bhavan, a new community kitchen, and railway registration centers. The base camp in Katra now features a state-of-the-art call center that handles nearly 2,500 calls daily from pilgrims worldwide.
Katra Protests and Ropeway Project Controversy
A significant event in 2024 was the week-long shutdown in Katra over a controversial ropeway project. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti initiated protests on December 25, opposing the proposed ropeway that would connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat. The protesters argued that the project threatened local traditions.
The protests brought all business activities to a halt in the pilgrimage town. However, normalcy was restored on January 1st, 2025, with police releasing eighteen detainees and businesses reopening. Hundreds of devotees continued to visit the shrine, marking the end of the shutdown.
Future Outlook
Garg emphasized that efforts are ongoing to improve facilities and connectivity, which is expected to increase the footfall in Katra. The shrine has shown a consistent upward trend in pilgrim numbers, from 13.95 lakh in 1986 to potentially approaching one crore in 2024.
The year 2024 stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual significance of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, showcasing both its growing popularity and the passionate local community that surrounds it.
