Jammu, 6 October: If the present yatra statistics continue to rise, the number of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi devotees may reach one crore this year.
A top official made this statement to the media while discussing the expected pilgrimage footfall during the next Navratri season and the overall trend throughout the year.
According to official figures, up until September of this year, 73.25 lakh pilgrims visited the holy shrine. With the expansion of the infrastructure and the addition of new attractions along the pilgrimage path, foot traffic is showing optimistic upward momentum.
Statistics show that this year’s pilgrimage has already increased by almost one lakh when compared to last year’s total through September.
Around 8 lakh people visited the sacred spot this year, only in September. The number, however, has shown a shifting tendency, with the most foot traffic reported in the months of June, April, and March, totaling 11,95 lakhs, 10,18 lakhs, and 8,94 lakhs, respectively.
Anshul Garg, the CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), stated today that this Navratri, Vaishnodevi visitors may have “virtual Darshan” of Mata Vaishnodevi via the natural cave, which is another noteworthy advancement in relation to pilgrimage.
Through virtual reality (VR) headsets, this amenity will be accessible to pilgrims at Katra, Ardhkuwari, and Bhawan. It would be offered in exchange for a digital payment of Rs. 101.
“Pilgrims will be able to virtually see Mata Rani via the Holy Natural Cave at Katra, Ardhkuwari, and Bhawan. Enjoy a special immersive experience this Shardiya Navi using VR headsets. Only nine days remain for digital payments, remarked Garg on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter).
