KATRA, March 16: As the holy Navratri approaches, stakeholders in Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, are hopeful for a better pilgrimage season this year.
The previous year proved difficult for the yatra and the local economy due to several adverse events, including the Pahalgam terror attack, a tense Indo-Pak border situation, and natural calamities, which significantly reduced pilgrim footfall.
The decline in visitors affected the livelihoods of many locals, including hotel owners, shopkeepers, and transport operators who depend heavily on tourism and pilgrimage-related activities.
With Navratri traditionally witnessing a surge in pilgrims, local businesses and residents are optimistic that increased footfall will revive tourism and provide relief to the town’s tourism-dependent economy.