The devotees have arrived here in Katra from across the country and are so excited to begin their New Year with the darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi. The entire area is buzzing with the spiritual and devotional spirit.
Pilgrims throng Mata Vaishnao Devi Shrine on New Year
Jammu: Thousands of devotees are flocking at Katra for darshan and blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi at the end of this year and start of the New Year 2026.
The devotees have arrived here in Katra from across the country and are so excited to begin their New Year with the darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi. The entire area is buzzing with the spiritual and devotional spirit.
Security Review Meeting
Keeping in view of the heavy rush of pilgrims at the year end and the New Year beginning, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Paramvir Singh reviewed the safety and security arrangements in a meeting at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan.
After the meeting, Paramvir Singh directed the officers and all security agencies to remain highly alert and ready for crowd management to prevent any untoward incidents.
The SSP also directed the concerned officials to regulate movement at sensitive points within and around the Vaishno Devi Bhawan area.
Similarly, in Udhampur for New Year festivities, the local police have issued safety guidelines to maintain order. Officials warned that while they want people to enjoy the celebrations, there will be a zero-tolerance policy toward dangerous driving and illegal substances.
Prehlad Kumar, Deputy Superintendent of Police Headquarters, Udhampur, said, "We are expecting a lot of rush in view of the upcoming New Year. For the safety of tourists, we have coordinated with various agencies, including the CRPF, the Army, the district police, and the ITBP, and established check posts.
Tourists should not travel with any narcotic substance, should not perform any stunts or create chaos, and should celebrate their New Year fully."
On Sunday, in view of the heavy rush of pilgrims expected on December 31 and during the New Year, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Paramvir Singh, JKPS, conducted a comprehensive security review meeting at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan to ensure the safety and smooth movement of devotees.
During the meeting, the SSP directed all concerned officers and agencies to remain highly alert and proactive, given the anticipated surge in pilgrims. Special emphasis was placed on effective crowd management to prevent untoward incidents, including stampedes, and to regulate movement at sensitive points within and around the Bhawan area.
He stressed the optimum use of crowd management applications and continuous monitoring through the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). The SSP instructed that the ICCC must remain fully alert to ensure real-time coordination, quick response and timely decision-making for effective crowd control.
SSP Reasi further emphasised that all departments should take adequate precautionary measures, maintain close coordination, and remain fully prepared to address any exigencies, ensuring a swift response to emerging situations.
All participating departments assured full cooperation and readiness to ensure a safe, secure and hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees during the peak festive period.
