Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended for 3rd Day as Heavy Rain, Landslide Risk Disrupt Pilgrimage
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra remained suspended for the third consecutive day on Tuesday as persistent heavy rainfall and inclement weather continued to affect the Trikuta Hills in Reasi district.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra remained suspended for the third consecutive day on Tuesday as persistent heavy rainfall and inclement weather continued to affect the Trikuta Hills in Reasi district. Authorities from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) confirmed that the temporary halt remains in place to ensure the safety of thousands of visiting pilgrims amid heightened risks of landslides and waterlogging along the track.
The decision was enforced as a precautionary measure following a series of weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The meteorological office predicted widespread moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and potential squalls, across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Local security personnel and Shrine Board officials have halted movement from the Katra base camp toward the holy cave shrine, utilizing public announcement systems to urge devotees to stay at safe lodging centers.┬аVaishno Devi Yatra Temporarily Suspended Due to Inclement Weather Advisory.
Hundreds of pilgrims who arrived in Katra over the weekend are currently waiting in local hotels and base camps, awaiting clear weather to resume their journey. The sub-divisional administration has established a 24/7 Disaster Management Control Room in Katra to monitor the situation, manage municipal services, and assist stranded travelers during the ongoing spell of heavy rain.
The disruption is part of a broader weather pattern affecting religious pilgrimages across the Union Territory. The ongoing Amarnath Yatra and the Shiv Khori pilgrimage in Reasi have also faced temporary suspensions on multiple routes due to heavy downpours, high-altitude cloudbursts, and flash flood alerts in surrounding districts.┬аJ-K: Vaishno Devi Yatra Remains Suspended Due to Adverse Weather; Devotees Express Disappointment.
Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended for Third Consecutive Day
VIDEO | Katra, Jammu and Kashmir: The Vaishno Devi Yatra remains suspended for the third consecutive day due to adverse weather conditions.
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/QRRfNYfoea
тАФ Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2026
Officials stated that a comprehensive safety assessment of the tracking paths will be conducted once the rain subsides. The pilgrimage will resume only after the routes are cleared and cleared as safe for movement. Devotees are advised to stay updated through official Shrine Board channels before planning any further movement.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2026 09:35 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
