Footfall at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir dropped below the 70-lakh mark in 2025, reflecting a significant decline in pilgrim visits. Located atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district, the shrine received around 68.85 lakh pilgrims till December 28, with only a limited increase expected before the year-end despite New Year rush.
The decline marks a sharp contrast to 2024, when the shrine recorded over 94.84 lakh visitors. Officials noted that the nearly 27.4 per cent drop highlights the impact of multiple disruptions, including security concerns and adverse weather conditions, on religious tourism in the region.
One of the major setbacks was the terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, which claimed 26 lives. The incident led to heightened security measures across Jammu and Kashmir, creating apprehension among pilgrims planning visits to the region.
Tensions escalated further after Operation Sindoor in May, when Indian armed forces targeted terror infrastructure across the border. The subsequent security environment affected travel sentiment and pilgrimage planning during peak months.
Natural disruptions added to the challenges. On August 26, a landslide near Katra caused by heavy rainfall killed 35 pilgrims and damaged a key stretch of the yatra track. Authorities suspended the pilgrimage for nearly three weeks during August and September, traditionally a high-footfall period.
Shrine board officials reiterated that pilgrim safety remained the top priority. Suspensions and restrictions were imposed based on real-time weather and security assessments. Despite the decline, authorities remain hopeful that improved stability and infrastructure measures will help restore pilgrim confidence in the coming years.
