As per the latest development, Vaishno Devi Yatra will resume on the scheduled date, i.e., from August 16. Earlier, it was reported that the much-awaited yatra might not likely resume on the said date due to Coronavirus outbreak. However, now with all strict guidelines and precautionary measures in place, Vaishno Devi Yatra is set to resume after remaining closed to pilgrims for nearly five months.
Elaborating on this, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) said that preparations are already under way for resumption of the yatra. It also added that the temple premises are being sanitised regularly, and all the guidelines have been put into place to welcome pilgrims again.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration recently announced SOPs and guidelines for religious shrines, including guidelines for the pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi Shrine located on Trikuta hills in Katra in Reasi district.
Apart from its order to reopen all religious places from August 16, the administration further outlines that only a limited number of devotees/outsiders will be allowed from outside Jammu and Kashmir. The order also stated that since Vaishno Devi shrine attracts tons of visitors, additional precautions will be required to ensure pilgrims’ safety.
Here are the guidelines set for Vaishno Devi Yatra.
- Wearing face masks will be mandatory during the yatra.
- A maximum of 5000 pilgrims will be allowed every day to undertake the yatra till September 30. Regarding those coming from other states, a maximum of 500 pilgrims will be allowed daily.
- The pilgrims will be required to do registration in advance via online mode to avoid gatherings at registration counters in Katra, which is the base camp for the yatra.
- It will be mandatory for all visitors coming from other states to undergo the COVID-19 antigen test.
- One will be allowed to proceed only if they test negative. Further, those coming from red zone districts of Jammu and Kashmir will also have to undergo the same test.
- Not more than 600 people, including pilgrims, security and staff personnel, will be allowed in the Bhawan complex
- Proper social distancing will be maintained, whereas congregations won’t be allowed inside the shrine.
Meanwhile, pregnant women, people above 60 years of age, those with comorbidities, and children below the age of 10 have been advised not to visit any religious place in Jammu and Kashmir.
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