The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has announced the suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra for three days, from October 5 to 7, 2025, in view of the bad weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The pilgrimage is expected to resume on October 8.
The Shrine Board made the announcement on social media platform ‘X’, informing devotees that the step was taken in the interest of safety, as the IMD has warned of heavy rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir.
It may be recalled that on August 26, 2025, a massive landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi route in Katra claimed the lives of over 35 pilgrims and left more than 10 others injured. The tragedy had forced authorities to temporarily suspend the pilgrimage and evacuate hotels and dharamshalas in the region.
The incident triggered widespread criticism of the Shrine Board’s safety measures. Even Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary had raised questions about the management of the yatra. Subsequently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the landslide incident near Ardhkumwari.
IMD Weather Advisory: October 4–7
According to the IMD’s Srinagar office, a Western Disturbance is expected to impact Jammu and Kashmir between October 4 and 7, with the most intense spell forecast from the night of October 5 through the morning of October 7.
- Rainfall: Moderate to heavy rain likely in the plains of Kashmir Valley.
- Snowfall: Heavy accumulation possible in higher reaches like Sonamarg–Zojila, Gulmarg, Sinthan Pass, and Sadhna Pass; moderate snowfall may occur in mid-level mountain regions.
- Thunderstorms: Parts of Jammu division may see very heavy downpours with lightning, hail, and winds of 40–50 km/h, gusting up to 70 km/h.
- Risks: Landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, and transport disruptions along Jammu–Srinagar Highway and Srinagar–Leh Highway.
Farmers have been advised to suspend farming activities to protect standing crops, while residents in low-lying areas and riverbanks have been asked to remain alert for possible flooding and waterlogging.
Authorities have urged devotees and tourists to avoid traveling to vulnerable areas during this period and to follow updates from official channels. Precautionary measures are being taken to prevent mishaps similar to the August 26 landslide.
“Safety of pilgrims is our top priority. The yatra will resume only when conditions improve,” an SMVDSB spokesperson stated.
With the IMD forecasting severe weather conditions, the temporary suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra is seen as a precautionary step to ensure the safety of lakhs of pilgrims. Devotees planning the journey have been asked to reschedule their travel for after October 8 and stay tuned for official updates.
