The Hindu : National : Record number of pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 28, 2004

National

National

Record number of pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi

By Our Staff Reporter

KATRA, DEC. 27. The number of pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine in the Trikuta hills of Udhampur district this year exceeded six millions, creating a new record today, a day when a thick blanket of snow wrapped the hills.

The rush has been unprecedented this year and is not expected to go down during the winter. According to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, about 15,000 to 20,000 pilgrims visit the shrine every day from all parts of the country.

Economy looks up

The increase in the number of pilgrims has boosted Katra's economy. The town, which is the base camp to the shrine, had become a cantonment after the militant attack last year in which six pilgrims were killed and about 40 injured.

The additional Chief Executive Officer of the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Rohit Kansal, told The Hindu : ``It is a special day for us as the rush to the shrine this year has crossed the six million mark and we were eagerly waiting for this day. This is an achievement by all sorts and it is the best new year gift for us."

Records show that since the board was formed in 1984, the rush has increased more than four times with additional facilities being provided for lodging and boarding. The board's main source of funds are the people's offering which runs into millions of rupees. The money is utilised for constructing rest houses, toilets, etc for devotees.

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