As Chaitra Navratri 2025 approaches, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has announced a series of special facilities to ensure a smooth and convenient pilgrimage for devotees visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir. The shrine, located in the Trikuta hills of the Reasi district, is preparing to welcome thousands of pilgrims during Navratri, which begins on March 30, 2025 (Sunday).

Special Facilities for Divyang Pilgrims

In a significant move, the shrine board has introduced free services for specially-abled (divyang) pilgrims, making their spiritual journey more accessible and comfortable. Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SMVDSB, announced that various facilities, including helicopter bookings and battery car services, will be made available free of cost for divyang devotees.

• Dedicated Helicopter Booking Quota: A special quota has been introduced for divyang pilgrims, allowing them to book helicopter services in advance through the official website of the shrine board (maavaishnodevi.org).

• Free Battery Car Services: To further assist divyang pilgrims, free battery car services will be provided to facilitate easier movement along the pilgrimage route.

Increased Pilgrim Influx During Navratri

According to the CEO, nearly 40,000 devotees visit the Mata Vaishno Devi temple daily, with the numbers increasing significantly on weekends. This figure is expected to surge further during the Navratri season, prompting the board to take several measures to accommodate the growing influx of devotees. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the Chairman of the shrine board, various decisions have been implemented to enhance the pilgrimage experience.

Expansion of Accommodation and Resting Areas

To ensure a comfortable journey for pilgrims, the shrine board has expanded its accommodation and resting facilities, particularly along the traditional pilgrimage route. Approximately 95% of the pilgrims use this route, making it essential for the board to introduce new facilities:

• Resting Areas: A new all-weather resting area at Ardhkuwari has been set up, capable of accommodating 1,500 pilgrims at a time.

• Water ATM and Refreshment Units: Water ATMs and refreshment units will be available to provide refreshments along the route.

• Prasad Kiosk: A prasad kiosk has been introduced to ensure that devotees receive blessed offerings conveniently.

Advanced Online Booking for Helicopter Services

Pilgrims, especially senior citizens and divyang devotees, can now make advanced online bookings for helicopter services to and from the shrine. The reservation system has been streamlined to facilitate easy and hassle-free booking through the official website.

Special Attka and Garbhjoon Aarti for Divyang Pilgrims

As part of the initiative, free slots for Attka Aarti at Bhawan and Garbhjoon Aarti at Adhkuwari will be reserved for divyang pilgrims starting from Chaitra Navratri 2025. This step aims to provide an inclusive and spiritually fulfilling experience for all devotees, regardless of their physical abilities.

New Darshani Deodi Complex to Welcome Pilgrims

The renovated Darshani Deodi, equipped with a double-storey queue complex, is now fully prepared to welcome pilgrims during Chaitra Navratri 2025. This all-weather marble-clad structure can accommodate 2,000 pilgrims at a time, ensuring a smooth entry for devotees along the traditional Banganga track.

Live Telecast of Garbhjoon Aarti for Enhanced Devotional Experience

To enhance the spiritual experience, a live telecast of the Garbhjoon Aarti will be available for pilgrims. This initiative allows devotees to participate in the divine proceedings even from a distance, enriching their pilgrimage journey.

Online Booking for Holy Pindis Photographs

The shrine board has also released new photographs of the holy Pindis in LED backlit frames of various sizes. These photographs can now be ordered for home delivery through the official website. Devotees can book these offerings under the "Online Services" tab starting from Chaitra Navratri 2025.

Safety and Comfort Measures During Navratri

To ensure safety and convenience, the board has implemented strict protocols and guidelines to manage the large influx of pilgrims. This includes:

• Queue Management Systems: Efficient queue management to prevent overcrowding.

• Sanitation and Hygiene Protocols: Enhanced sanitation measures to maintain cleanliness throughout the pilgrimage route.

• Medical Assistance: Availability of medical aid stations and emergency response teams along the route.

Commitment to Devotee Welfare

The initiatives introduced by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board reflect a commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience for all devotees, with a special focus on making the journey accessible and comfortable for divyang pilgrims. Through these measures, the board aims to provide a seamless, spiritually enriching, and safe pilgrimage experience for millions of devotees expected to visit the shrine during Chaitra Navratri 2025.

Conclusion

As Chaitra Navratri 2025 approaches, the Vaishno Devi Temple is ready to welcome an unprecedented number of devotees with enhanced facilities and free services for specially-abled pilgrims. From free helicopter and battery car services to resting areas, prasad kiosks, and live aarti telecasts, these initiatives aim to ensure a smooth and inclusive pilgrimage experience. With the renovated Darshani Deodi and other improved amenities, devotees can look forward to a divinely fulfilling and hassle-free journey to one of India's most revered spiritual destinations.

The Current active IPO are Aten Papers & Foam Limited, Infonative Solutions Limited,Spinaroo Commercial Limited,Retaggio Industries Limited,Identixweb Limited.

The Closed IPOs are  ATC Energies System Limited, Shri Ahimsa Naturals Limited, Desco Infratech Limited

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.