Pilgrim Surge Revives Business in Katra as Vaishno Devi Yatra Rebounds

After a slump triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack that shook tourist confidence and led to a sharp drop in pilgrim numbers, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi’s sacred shrine in Katra is once again witnessing a major revival in footfall — breathing new life into the town’s economy.

Thanks to renewed faith among devotees and the introduction of the Vande Bharat train service to Katra, the number of pilgrims has surged, especially over weekends. This welcome upswing is bringing cheer to hoteliers, shopkeepers, and service providers whose livelihoods are closely tied to the pilgrimage.

“Bookings had taken a hit post the attack, but things are now returning to normal. The faith of pilgrims is being restored,” said Rakesh Wazir, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, Katra. “The Vande Bharat train service has proven to be a boon for local businesses. While bookings are still slightly below last year’s figures, they are significantly higher than immediately after the Pahalgam incident.”

Local traders and service providers echo this positive sentiment. Rakesh Roshan Heera, who runs shops selling dry fruits and prasad, said nearly 35,000–40,000 pilgrims are now arriving in Katra daily. “Our daily sales, which had dropped to as low as ₹500, are now touching ₹25,000 or even more,” he reported.

Kabir, a 44-year-old horseman from Dhanu village, Kot Bhalwal, who has been ferrying pilgrims on horseback for over two decades, shared a similar story. “After the attack, I was earning less than ₹500 a day. Now, I’m back to making around ₹2,000 daily,” he said.

Pithus (porters), palanquin bearers, taxi drivers, battery rickshaw operators, and street vendors all reported improved earnings. Roadside eateries, too, are seeing a significant rise in footfall as the town buzzes with renewed activity.

Amid the uptick, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure pilgrim safety. A robust security presence is visible along the entire pilgrimage route, with personnel checking vehicles and monitoring for suspicious activity to prevent any disruption.

With faith rekindled and infrastructure support like the Vande Bharat train making access smoother, the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage is once again infusing Katra with spiritual energy — and vital economic momentum.

You said: