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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at KATRA: On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) reopened the revered historic natural cave at the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. The reopening was marked by special rituals and prayers, accompanied by Vedic chanting. The timing of this sacred event on Makar Sankranti holds added significance, as the festival symbolizes new beginnings and spiritual elevation.
The Natural Cave, which remains closed for most of the year due to heavy pilgrim inflow, is made accessible during the months of January and February, when footfall is comparatively lower. This arrangement offers devotees a rare opportunity to experience darshan in its pristine form, allowing a deeper connection with the shrine’s timeless sanctity. During the remaining months, pilgrims access the sanctum sanctorum through the newly constructed caves.
The reopening of the old cave reflects the shrine’s unwavering commitment, under the chairmanship of Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lt. Governor of JK-UT, to preserving its spiritual heritage while safeguarding the traditions that make it one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations. The Shrine Board will actively encourage more devotees to undertake the pilgrimage through the Old Cave, while ensuring strict adherence to permissible crowd capacity limits and maintaining orderly pilgrim movement.
The Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB highlighted that careful measures have been implemented to manage crowd flow and prevent congestion along the route, while special provisions have been introduced to assist elderly and differently-abled pilgrims.
It is noteworthy that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is witnessing a significant increase in pilgrim footfall compared to the corresponding period last year. During the first 13 days of 2026, around 3,05,217 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Holy Shrine, as against 2,68,761 pilgrims during the same period last year. On an average, around 20000 to 25000 pilgrims are visiting the Holy Shrine daily.
Present on the occasion of the reopening were senior officers, including the Addl. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; the Sub-Divisional Magistrate; and the Tehsildar Bhawan, along with Pujaris and a large gathering of pilgrims.
