Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 29: The first four months of the current year as compared to 2008, has witnessed an immense rise in the pilgrimage to the world famous Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine situated in Trikuta Hills.
Sources said so far in the first four months, over two lakh rise has been recorded in the total pilgrimage as compared to the yatra from January to April in the previous year.
‘’This year around 2.50 lakh more yatris paid obeisance at the shrine in total pilgrimage comparing the year 2008,’’ official sources said.
In January this year, 4,14,460 (figure in lakhs) yatris visited the shrine but in January 2008, the figure was 3,40, 303. Whereas, in the month of February current year, 2,97,653 yatris paid obeisance as compared to last year when the pilgrimage was recorded 2,25,438.
‘’Likewise January and February, the month of March also witnessed rise as 6,73,820 pilgrims visited Mata Vaishno Devi but the figure in March 2008 was 6,18,236,’’ official sources said.
So far till April 27, however, 6,21,139 yatris have reached the shrine and had ‘darshans’ of the goddess but till April 27 in 2008, the figure was recorded 5,46,751.
‘’On an average, the pilgrimage has shown rise by 2.50 lakh and it may go up in the coming days with soaring mercury and the summer vacations,’’ the official added.
The official added that to meet the heavy rush of pilgrims in the coming months, all arrangements including water, cleanliness, health facilities, eateries besides security are being made en route 13-km long track from Katra base camp to Bhawan for smooth and safe pilgrimage.
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