Useful tips for Vaishno Devi Yatra, Kashmir, India

https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/planyatra-do-dont.aspx

Before Yatra

Before proceeding for the trek, obtain a Yatra slip from Yatra Registration Counter, near bus stand KatraThe slip is issued free of cost. . No one is allowed to proceed beyond Banganga check post without obtaining the Yatra slip. In case you wish to avail of the facility of rented accommodation at Katra, Adkuwari, Sanjichhat or Bhawan, please get the room reservation done from the Enquiry and Reservation Counter at Niharika Complex (near the Bus Stand) Katra. Kindly confirm the rates of the Porters, Ponies and Palanquins before hiring them and ensure that they carry a valid registration card. Note down their numbers before entrusting them with your valuables. Please do not pay more than the approved rates. Video cameras and other electronic equipment are not allowed on the track. Please make arrangements for their safekeeping at Katra itself. Travel light. Please leave all unnecessary clothes and luggage at Katra itself. Food, drink and blankets are freely available. There is no need to carry these items along. While on the Track Please uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage and avoid loud dresses, vulgar language or offensive talk or gestures. The yatra is a journey of faith. Please do not treat it as a picnic or a vacation outing. Respect the sentiments of co-pilgrims. Cooperate with the security agencies for security checks. Please avoid resting near landslide prone areas. Refrain from smoking, chewing tobacco and betel leaves, spitting, spreading litter, playing cards etc. Consumption of liquor, intoxicants and non vegetarian food is strictly prohibited. Keep the environment clean. Do not dirty the hill slopes. Throw the disposables in the dustbins only. In particular, minimize use of plastics. Avoid carrying too much cash, jewelry and valuables. Take proper care whatever you carry and beware of pickpockets and petty thieves. Don't trust strangers with belongings. Deposit all excess baggage in the cloak rooms. Don't eat anything offered by strangers. Beware of suspicious persons and unclaimed articles and report about the same to the security personnel. Don't encourage begging. Begging is strictly prohibited. Obtain cash receipt for any cash paid at the Shrine Board outlets. Avoid using routes closed for repairs. This can prove extremely dangerous. Yatries with high blood pressure or heart or asthamatic problems must seek clearance from their doctors before starting the journey. Yatries with any kind of medical problems are strongly advised against using the stairs. Sticking posters, writing on the walls, mutilating or damaging the property is a legal offence punishable with both fine and imprisonment. Don't crowd anywhere. Instead keep moving. Video film shooting is prohibited enroute. Please leave your video cameras at Katra. Self service is the motto at all Shrine Board outlets, hence no room or table service is provided. At Bhawan & for Darshans On arrival at Bhawan, obtain the group number at the Yatra slip check post to get into the queue for Darshans. Proceed for Darshans only when the Group number is announced and avoid crowding for Darshans at Gate No.1. Abide by the procedure and wait for the turn of Darshans. Do not attempt to jump the queue. Don't use soaps, shampoos, oils etc. at the bathing Ghats. Freshen up and wear clean clothes before proceeding for the Darshans. Nothing except cash and selected offerings are allowed inside the Holy Cave. All other belongings need to be deposited in the free cloak rooms. Deposit your Coconuts inside the main waiting hall against a token. While inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, focus your attention on the Holy Pindies of the Divine Mother. Chanting of slogans of praises inside the cave is not allowed as it disturbs the other pilgrims. Don't offer any cash or jewelry in front of the Holy Pindies. Instead deposit the same in the donation/jewelry boxes. Deposit donations in the donation boxes kept at various locations or at the computerized donation counters against a proper receipt. No individual is authorized to accept any donation on behalf of the Board. Kanya Poojan is strictly prohibited. Please do not offer any tip or dakshina or any other gratification to any employee or person. Darshans at Bhairon temple are done only after Darshans at the Holy Cave. Help & Assistance For any kind of help or assistance, contact the functionaries of the Shrine Board. For details of names, designations and telephone numbers, Click Here. Complaints and suggestion boxes are available at all the establishments of the Shrine Board. These are regularly opened and complaints/suggestions are duly acted upon. Complaint registers are also available at important locations. Yatries can register their feedback, complaints and suggestions on the official website. To register your feedback, complaints and suggestions,