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India is a land of diversity. In this beautiful country, diverse cultures thrive, all of which have their uniqueness. Navratri is a major festival celebrated by a huge percentage of the Indian population. The meaning of the word “Navratri” is “nine nights”. Nine different forms of the goddess are worshipped during these nine nights and ten days. It is as if the worshippers get an opportunity to cleanse and rejuvenate from within. The nine days are marked with special yagnas, pujas, fasting, silence, meditations, and singing, all in the honour of the divine Mother. Her entire creation, including all life forms, art, knowledge, and music, is celebrated.
Vaishno Devi Mandir is a temple in the Katra region in Jammu. It is one of the temples in India where Navratri is celebrated in all its grandeur, and there are many family hotels in Katra to accommodate the pilgrims. The atmosphere is filled with the vibe of festivities, and the event is celebrated in its true sense. At Vaishno Devi Temple, Navratri celebrations are held twice. Shardiya Navratri celebration marks the beginning of winter, while Chaitra Navratri celebration marks the start of summer.
The Jammu and Kashmir government institutes the nine-day long festival. It showcases the celebrations to the world to promote the regional heritage, culture and traditional sentiments of the Union Territory as well as of the rest of India. Devotees from all over India flock to the temple to participate in the grand festivities that last for nine days. Their main goal is to take the blessings of Vaishno Devi, the temple’s presiding deity.
The temple and surrounding areas are grandly decorated to welcome the devotees visiting it during the festival of Navratri. Most of the decorations are made with indigenous-foreign flowers and fruits. Huge pandals and reception doors are installed in the Bhawan area, which is decorated with colourful and attractive lights.
Apart from this, the tracks that lead to the Shrine are also grandly decorated with different varieties of exquisite fresh flowers. The breathtaking festive decorations serve as a visual treat for the pilgrims who trek around 11 km from Katra to reach Bhawan. Once they reach their destination (Vaishno Devi Temple), all their tiredness goes away after seeing these beautiful festive decorations.
Like all other years, this year also, elaborate arrangements have been made at the Holy Shrine to make the visiting pilgrims feel comfortable. These include ensuring a round-the-clock clean water supply and electricity on all the tracks. The Bhawan area has been maintained hygienically, and a constant supply of medicines and “fast related” food has been ensured at the catering outlets of the Shrine Board. Besides, the Board has also made free food arrangements for the pilgrims at Prasad Kendra Sanjichhat and Tarakote Marg.
For the comfort and convenience of the pilgrims, facilities like battery-operated vehicles, accommodation, passenger ropeway, and even emergency helicopter services have been made available. Strict precautionary measures following national guidelines have been implemented to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
All the arrangements along the track and the Bhawan area are constantly reviewed and monitored by Ramesh Kumar, the CEO of the Shrine Board. Officials along the tracks also interact with the pilgrims and ask about the facilities and if they are comfortable with them.
The first three days of Navratri mark worshipping the Goddess Kali, believed to destroy all impurities and evil energies. For the next three days, Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshipped. The final three days of the festival are devoted to worshipping goddess Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom. The devotees seek blessings from all these forms of the goddess and achieve ultimate serenity and happiness. These nine days cleanse the souls of the worshippers, and they get to live better lives.
You can reach Vaishno Devi Temple by means of rail, road, or air. When travelling by road, the buses of the J&K State Corporation take you from Jammu to Katra. The buses are available at regular intervals to ensure smooth transportation for the pilgrims. Luxury buses are also available for those who want to travel with a luxurious vibe. The railway station that lies closest to the Vaishno Temple is the Udhampur railway station, while Jammu airport is the closest airport. It is at a distance of about 50 km from Katra.
Several stay options are available near the Temple. Hotels near the Vaishno Devi temple include OYO 5667 Katra Continental, OYO 40842 The Royal Resort, OYO 80507 Ram Palace, and OYO 22932 Hotel Shiv Shanker. Many restaurants also serve fresh and tasty food around the area.
If you want to celebrate the Navratri event in all its glory, don’t miss out on visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple this year. There are also some must-visit tourist attractions in the area, such as Bahu Fort and Naag Mandir, that you shouldn’t miss. Travel to this beautiful destination to make this year a memorable one!
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April 15, 2024 
