The revered Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir has reported a significant decrease in the number of pilgrims visiting in 2025. This decline has been directly linked to a combination of heightened security concerns and the impact of a natural calamity, which led to an extended closure during a traditionally busy period.
Closure During Peak Season Impacts Numbers
Officials managing the pilgrimage site confirmed that the shrine had to remain closed for a prolonged duration at a time when it usually experiences a massive influx of devotees. This period is traditionally considered a high-footfall season for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. The extended shutdown had a direct and measurable impact on the total number of visitors for the entire year.
Security and Natural Factors Combine
The dual challenges of security advisories and a natural disaster created an unprecedented situation. While specific details of the natural calamity were not elaborated in the initial report, its severity necessitated the closure for safety reasons. Concurrently, prevailing security concerns in the region further compounded the situation, discouraging travel and leading to the official decision to restrict access to the shrine.
Economic and Religious Repercussions
The drop in pilgrim footfall has broader implications beyond the religious sphere. The local economy in Jammu and Kashmir, which is heavily reliant on pilgrimage tourism, is likely feeling the effects. Businesses including hotels, transportation services, and shops catering to pilgrims have seen reduced activity. The decline underscores the vulnerability of religious tourism to external disruptions, whether environmental or geopolitical.
The officials' statement, dated 29 December 2025, highlights the tangible consequences of the closure. The data points to a clear correlation between the inaccessible period and the overall yearly statistics for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. Authorities are now faced with the task of restoring confidence and ensuring robust infrastructure and security to welcome back devotees in the coming seasons.
