Devotees thronged the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on the first day of Navratri as large numbers of pilgrims arrived in Katra to undertake the holy pilgrimage and seek the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi. The shrine witnessed a festive atmosphere, marking the auspicious beginning of the nine-day festival.

Sharadiya Navratri began with devotion and enthusiasm on Sunday, with major temples across the country witnessing a large influx of devotees from early morning. Devotees offered prayers to Goddess Durga, seeking happiness and prosperity. Special arrangements have also been made at major religious sites across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure the convenience and safety of pilgrims.

A large number of devotees arrived in Katra to pay obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, resulting in increased footfall at the yatra base camp. Pilgrims began their journey from Darshani Deori towards the shrine to seek the deity’s blessings. Located amid the Trikuta Hills, the temple has been decorated with attractive lights, creating a vibrant and devotional atmosphere.

The historic Sukala Mata Temple in Billawar, Kathua district, also witnessed a large influx of devotees on the first day of Navratri. The temple premises have been decorated with flowers and fruits. In view of the expected rush, the administration has made elaborate security arrangements and put other necessary facilities in place. Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies have been deployed in the area.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Billawar, Vishwajeet Singh, said special efforts had been made this year to beautify the temple complex and improve facilities for devotees. The sanctum sanctorum has been decorated with flowers and fruits, while security arrangements have been strengthened to ensure that devotees can offer prayers without inconvenience.

Devotees have also expressed satisfaction with the recent developments at the temple. A two-storey inn, paved pathways, toilets, and other facilities have been developed to improve the pilgrimage experience. According to the temple priest, darshan began at 4 am on Sunday. A large number of devotees are expected to visit the temple over the next nine days. Arrangements have also been made to provide fruit and langar to devotees observing fasts.