The Hindu festival of Navratri begins from October 17 this year and the Mata Vaishno Devi shrive is ready to greet pilgrims with all Covid-19 health precautions. Temple authorities have made special arrangements for the safety of devotees. Covid-19 rapid antigen testing is being done for visitors and precautions like sanitising, social distancing and masks are mandatory. The per-day pilgrims limit has also been increased from 5 thousand to 7 thousand.
Pony, Pithu & Palki services have resumed. Helicopter and battery car services are also operational. Devotees coming from outside Jammu & Kashmir need valid COVID19 negative test report, CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said. Mata Vaishno Devi App has been launched for the pilgrims for live darshan.