More than 35 pilgrims were killed and over 10 were injured in a landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi temple route during extreme bad weather in Jammu on August 26.

The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has once again provided a major update regarding the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. The Shrine Board has announced that the pilgrimage will begin on October 8th.

The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board posted on the social media platform 'X', saying, "Jai Mata Di, as already informed, all Yatra registration counters will be operational from 6:00 AM tomorrow, October 8, 2025. Devotees are advised to stay updated through official channels for more information."

It should be noted that on August 26th, during extremely bad weather in the Jammu division, a landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi temple route killed more than 35 pilgrims and injured more than 10 others. Consequently, the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage was suspended. Following the recent landslide in Katra, the administration had ordered the evacuation of hotels and dharamshalas.

Following the landslide tragedy, the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was criticized, with even Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary blaming the SMVDSB officials managing the pilgrimage. Three days later, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the landslide near Ardhkumwari on the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine route.