Devotees Advised To Avoid Katra As Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended Till October 7

The Vaishno Devi Yatra has been suspended for three days, from October 5 to 7, following an India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast warning of very heavy rainfall across parts of the Jammu division and south Kashmir.In an official statement released on Saturday, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced that the pilgrimage to the revered shrine in the Trikuta Hills near Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, will remain suspended during this period as a precautionary measure.In view of the inclement weather advisory…Vaishno Devi Yatra shall remain suspended from 5th to 7th October 2025 & will resume on 08/10/2025. Devotees may stay updated through official channels.Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in a post on XPrecautionary Measures for DevoteesAuthorities have urged pilgrims not to travel to Katra, which serves as the base camp for the yatra, due to the risk of landslides, flooding, and cloudbursts.The Shrine Board emphasised that the suspension was necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and prevent untoward incidents during the period of adverse weather.Yatra To Resume on October 8The pilgrimage is scheduled to resume on October 8, once weather conditions stabilise.This comes just weeks after the yatra was temporarily halted for 22 days in August, following a massive landslide near Adh Kunwari that killed 34 people and injured 20 others. The route had reopened on September 17, allowing more than 1.7 lakh pilgrims to visit the shrine during the Navratri festival.Travel AdvisoryTravellers planning a visit to Vaishno Devi are advised to:Check official Shrine Board updates before travelling.Avoid trekking or visiting the hills during the rainfall warning period.Reschedule or postpone travel plans until the yatra officially resumes.FAQs1. Why has the Vaishno Devi Yatra been suspended?The yatra has been temporarily suspended from October 5 to 7, 2025, following an IMD alert for very heavy rainfall in the Jammu division and south Kashmir. The decision was taken by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board as a precautionary measure to prevent accidents due to possible landslides, flooding, or cloudbursts.2. When will the Vaishno Devi Yatra resume?The Shrine Board has announced that the yatra will resume on October 8, 2025, once weather conditions improve and the route is deemed safe for pilgrims.3. Can I still travel to Katra during the suspension?Authorities have advised devotees not to travel to Katra during this period, as the base camp and adjoining hills could experience heavy rainfall and landslides. Travellers are requested to postpone or reschedule their trips until the official resumption.4. How can I stay updated on the latest information?For verified updates, follow the official X (Twitter) handle of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or check their website and helpline numbers. Avoid relying on unverified social media sources.5. What safety measures are in place for pilgrims?During the suspension, the Shrine Board and district authorities are carrying out route inspections and clearing debris from previous landslides. Additional disaster response teams have been deployed in the region to ensure safety once the yatra resumes.6. Was the yatra suspended earlier this year as well?Yes. The pilgrimage was halted in August 2025 for 22 days following a devastating landslide near Adh Kunwari that killed 34 people and injured 20 others. The route was reopened on September 17, allowing over 1.7 lakh pilgrims to visit during the Navratri festival.7. What should devotees do if they had already booked travel or accommodation?Travellers should contact their airlines, hotels, or travel operators for rescheduling or refunds. Many service providers are expected to waive change fees given the official nature of the suspension.8. When is the best time to plan the next visit?The ideal time for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage is October end to March, once the monsoon and heavy rainfall risks have subsided. Weather remains cool and pleasant during this period, making the trek safer and more comfortable.Spiritual Guide: Things to Know Before Visiting Vaishno Devi