Hustle Bustle returns to Katra as number of Vaishno Devi pilgrims start swelling

Finally, the number of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims has started swelling, returning the hustle and bustle back to the Katra town-the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhavan nestled in the Trikuta Hills of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir.

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The Vaishno Devi yatra witnessed a sudden decline after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack followed by "Operation Sindoor" launched by India.

"The yatra has started increasing for the last week," said the Shrine Board official.

He said, "With the rise in numbers, around 18000 to 20000 pilgrims are reaching Katra on a daily basis to visit the Bhawan."

Along with tight security, the Shrine Board has also made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims, he said, adding, "The pilgrimage is gaining momentum, and it has crossed 20000 after nearly a month."

Last month after the Pahalgam terror attack, the business in Katra town remained largely affected.