Following coronavirus protocols, special arrangements have been made for the Navratri festival at the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, which will begin on Saturday. “Pony, Pithu and Palki services have been resumed. Helicopter and battery car services are also operational. Devotees coming from outside Jammu and Kashmir need a valid COVID-19 negative test report to enter the temple We have a COVID-19 testing facility here as well, “Ramesh Kumar, Executive Director of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Jammu, told ANI.
Increase in the limit of pilgrims per day
According to the shrine board, the limit of pilgrims per day has been increased from 5,000 to 7,000 and the ‘Mata Vaishno Devi’ app has also been launched for devotees to experience darshan live from the comfort of their homes.
Rapid antigen test
Rapid antigen testing is underway for pilgrims, and masks are also required under COVID-19 protocols.
“The disinfection and testing facility at the temple is excellent. The shrine looks beautiful and we are very happy to be present at the Mata Vaishno Devi temple during the Navratri festival,” said Shivani Rajput, a pilgrim.
Renowned bhajan singers during Navratras
Mata Vaishno Devi has been decorated with flowers and renowned bhajan singers will perform at the Vaishno Devi Darbar during the nine days of Navratras.
Prasad home delivery
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, together with the Postal Department, has also started home delivery of prasad for devotees. Devotees who cannot visit the shrine nestled between three spiky mountains, popularly known as ‘Trikuta’, can now receive the ‘Pooja Prasad’ at home.
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