In Jammu and Kashmir, a total of 47,346 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on the first day of Shardiya Navratri, witnessing a significant influx of devotees at the shrine nestled in the Trikuta Hills.
The auspicious occasion marked the beginning of the nine-day festival, with devotees arriving in large numbers at the base camp of Katra to seek the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi.
However, helicopter services to the shrine remained suspended throughout the day due to adverse weather conditions.
Officials said that despite the disruption, pilgrims continued their journey on foot, while the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) had put in place elaborate arrangements to ensure their safety and facilitate smooth movement along the track.
Devotees expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the Shrine Board, particularly the floral decorations, crowd management measures and pilgrim facilities.