Festivals
Navratri at Vaishno Devi: Planning Guide
The Chaitra and Sharad Navratras are among the busiest and most festive times on Trikuta. How to plan for the crowds, registration limits and accommodation.
The Navratras — nine nights of devotion to the Goddess — are celebrated twice a year: Chaitra Navratri in spring and Sharad (Ashwin) Navratri in autumn. The shrine and the route are decorated, and the mountain fills with devotees.
What to expect
- Very large crowds. The Shrine Board lists the Navratras among its peak periods, when waits for darshan can stretch to 12–20 hours.
- Registration limits. About 30,000–35,000 pilgrims can have darshan in a day. When that limit is reached, registration pauses and pilgrims wait in Katra.
- Higher prices and full hotels in Katra.
How to plan
- Book trains and accommodation early. Shrine Board rooms are bookable only on the official portal.
- Check the festival dates for the year; they follow the Hindu calendar.
- Keep a spare day in case of waiting.
- Consider the start or end of the festival, or travelling just before or after, for a calmer experience.
- Senior citizens and young children may find the crowds hard. If possible, visit at a quieter time. See Senior citizens.
Respect and safety
Follow queue discipline and staff instructions, keep children close, and agree a meeting point in case you get separated.
Timings, fares, rules and routes can change at short notice. Please confirm time-sensitive details with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or the relevant authority before you travel.