The revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a concerning and substantial decrease in the number of pilgrims visiting the holy cave this year. Official data reveals a sharp decline of nearly 20% in footfall compared to the corresponding period in 2023, raising questions and prompting analysis from the shrine's management board.
A Significant Dip in Pilgrim Numbers
According to figures compiled by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), the pilgrimage site recorded the arrival of approximately 17.25 lakh pilgrims from January 1 to May 31, 2024. This number stands in stark contrast to the over 21.57 lakh devotees who had undertaken the journey during the same five-month window in the previous year. This translates to a shortfall of more than 4.32 lakh visitors, marking a clear downward trend for one of India's most visited religious destinations.
The decline is not isolated to recent months. The board's data indicates that the total pilgrim count for the calendar year 2023 was around 84.57 lakh, which was itself a decrease from the record-breaking 91.42 lakh pilgrims registered in 2022. The current figures for 2024 suggest this downward trajectory is continuing, potentially leading to one of the lowest annual footfalls in recent years.
Potential Factors Behind the Decline
While the shrine board has not issued an official statement pinpointing a single cause for the drop, several factors are being considered by observers and authorities. A primary reason often cited is the revision of helicopter ticket prices for the pilgrimage. The cost for a one-way helicopter ride between Katra and Sanjichhat was increased, which may have impacted the plans of budget-conscious pilgrims, especially those traveling in family groups.
Furthermore, broader economic considerations and inflationary pressures could be influencing travel decisions. The overall cost of a pilgrimage, including travel, accommodation, and offerings, may be deterring some devotees. There is also speculation that the surge in travel post-pandemic, which led to record numbers in 2022, has now normalized, returning to a more baseline level of visitation.
Shrine Board's Initiatives and Future Outlook
In response to the trend, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is actively working to enhance the pilgrim experience and potentially attract more visitors. A key focus has been on improving infrastructure and crowd management. The board is in the process of finalizing a comprehensive plan to decongest the main Bhawan area. This ambitious project includes the creation of separate entry and exit routes to facilitate smoother movement of the large crowds, especially during peak seasons and festivals.
The board continues to manage and upgrade facilities along the trekking path, at the Bhawan, and in the base town of Katra. These efforts aim to ensure safety, cleanliness, and convenience for all devotees, which remains a top priority for the administration.
The coming months, particularly the major festival season starting with Navratri, will be crucial in determining whether the footfall numbers can recover. The shrine board, along with tourism stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir, will likely monitor the situation closely and consider strategic measures to promote the pilgrimage while maintaining its spiritual sanctity and operational excellence.
