J&K: Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announces free Aarti Darshan, accommodation for pilgrims

By  News On Air   May 15, 2025

In Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB) has announced several measures to facilitate pilgrims, including free Aarti Darshan and accommodation.

Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that following the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, devotees are gradually returning to the world-famous pilgrimage site, Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, although numbers remain modest. With the easing of tensions, devotees are beginning to return to the pilgrimage, aided by the Shrine Board’s efforts to provide free facilities from the base camp at Katra to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. This initiative aims to encourage more pilgrims to undertake the journey.

The Jammu Airport has resumed operations, including civilian flights and helicopter services. The Shrine Board is also facilitating air travel through both online bookings and counters. All services are being maintained to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience, and the Shrine Board expect the numbers to grow in the coming days.

CEO, SMVDSB, Anshul Garg said the Shrine Board has implemented comprehensive security arrangements along the route from Katra to the Bhawan, under the supervision of police and CRPF and the CCTV surveillance systems and Integrated Command and Control Centre are operational.