"Number of devotees has increased significantly": Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board CEO

Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 22 (ANI): On the first day of Shardiya Navratri, the Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra was adorned with beautiful flower decorations as devotees arrived to have darshan and offer prayers on Monday.
The Chief Executive Officer of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Sachin Kumar, said that elaborate arrangements had been made for the convenience of devotees.
"The Shrine Board has made complete arrangements. Decorations have been done. The number of devotees coming has increased significantly. I request everyone to come during Navratri, and even afterwards, to offer prayers," Kumar told ANI.
Meanwhile, devotees from different parts of the region also visited other prominent temples, including the Alopi Shankari Devi and Alok Sankari Dham, both revered for their spiritual significance. Worshippers believe that the presiding deity, considered a form of Mata Rani, fulfils the wishes of the faithful.
Speaking to ANI, devotee Rahul Saroj said, "Today is the first day of Navratri and we have come to visit the Alopi Shankari Devi temple to offer prayers."
Ravi, another devotee, shared his deep connection to the shrine. "As it is the first day of Navratri, we came here to visit the Lopi temple. This is a very spiritual place, and I have been connected to it since childhood. Every wish is fulfilled here. This ancient temple is a centre of faith and devotion," he said.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage has also resumed after being suspended for 22 days due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
The reopening has brought relief and joy to devotees, many of whom had been waiting in Katra for the shrine to reopen. Pilgrims from across the country have started arriving, expressing happiness that their long wait has finally ended and that they will now be able to seek blessings at the holy shrine.
Shardiya Navratri is a vibrant and sacred Hindu festival that spans nine nights, celebrating the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga. Observed in the lunar month of Ashwin, this festival is marked by fervent worship, elaborate rituals, and cultural performances.
Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, symbolising various aspects of strength, compassion, and wisdom. Devotees engage in fasting, singing devotional songs, and participating in traditional dances, such as Garba and Dandiya, creating a joyful atmosphere. (ANI)