vaishno devi

As pilgrim traffic surges in the Himalayas, faith, fragile mountains and unchecked growth are on a collision course

Five people, including three women and a minor girl, were killed and one critically injured when a moving car caught fire on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Alwar, Rajasthan. The victims were returning from a pilgrimage. A suspected short circuit in the CNG vehicle led to the rapid blaze, with only skeletal remains recovered.

An investigation at the vaishno devi Temple revealed that a significant portion of silver offerings are mixed with toxic cadmium, not pure silver. This discovery has raised concerns about the value of donations and, more importantly, the health risks posed to workers handling the contaminated metal during melting processes.

In an ambitious move, Bihar is set to elevate iconic locations such as Bodh Gaya and Vaishali into premier global attractions. Inspired by the success of Gujarat’s Statue of Unity and the pilgrimage haven of vaishno devi, the state is bestowing industry status upon tourism.

Summer offers a perfect opportunity for spiritual journeys to sacred sites across India. Destinations like Kedarnath, Badrinath, and vaishno devi provide serene atmospheres. Haridwar and Rishikesh, on the banks of the Ganga river, are also ideal for cleansing and inner peace. These locations offer a chance to disconnect from daily stress and find tranquility.

A new 20-coach Vande Bharat Express now connects Jammu and Srinagar directly, significantly cutting travel time to five hours. This direct rail link, a first for the two cities, will operate six days a week starting May 2.

The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, a 20-coach semi-high-speed train, commenced operations on May 2, 2026, marking a historic connection between the two cities. This new service significantly reduces travel time to under five hours, offering a reliable, all-weather alternative to road travel and boosting regional tourism and economic growth.

Anita Advani, the live-in partner of late superstar Rajesh Khanna, has opened up about a difficult phase in the actor’s life, recalling how he was left isolated when his films stopped performing at the box office. When asked if the industry was actively sidelining the actor, Anita said, “Yes, absolutely. It felt like there was a campaign running against him. People would say, ‘don’t take him’, ‘don’t cast him’.”

In a heartfelt journey back to the hallowed grounds of vaishno devi Temple, actress Kanika Maheshwari embraced her childhood nostalgia while engaging in a spiritual quest. She reminisced about the miraculous events that guided her safely home, including a pivotal prayer that resonated in her life, granting her the joy of motherhood with the arrival of her son, Reyansh.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Srinagar, marking the first direct rail link between the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir.

Akshay Kumar's birth was a answered prayer at vaishno devi, with his parents requesting a naughty child. Years later, during a thanksgiving trip, a dangerously ill infant Akshay miraculously recovered after his mother's unwavering faith and prayers at the temple, a moment he believes was divine intervention.

In a significant move, the Ramgarh administration has set out to demolish over 200 unlawful shops surrounding the Chhinnamastika Temple in Rajrappa, in compliance with a directive from the Jharkhand High Court. This historical site is being transformed into a premier global tourism destination, reminiscent of the famous vaishno devi.

A 21-year-old from Bihar is on an extraordinary pilgrimage, trekking over 15,000 km to visit India and Nepal's sacred sites. Starting with just Rs 224, Deepak Gupta aims to promote Sanatan Dharma and cow protection. He has already covered numerous states and visited many holy places, demonstrating remarkable dedication and relying on public support for his journey.

Indian archer Payal Nag, a quadruple amputee, achieved a historic gold medal at the World Para Archery Series Final in Bangkok. Overcoming a childhood electrocution accident, Nag developed a unique shooting style with a custom prosthetic arm. Her victory over idol Sheetal Devi marks a significant milestone in para sports.

Archery sensation Payal Nag, a quadruple amputee, triumphed over friend Sheetal Devi for individual gold at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok. Despite a life-altering accident at age eight, Payal's resilience, supported by her parents and coach, propelled her to international success. She now aims for Asian Games and Paralympic glory.

India's religious hubs are phasing out single-use plastic water bottles for recyclable, paper-based alternatives, starting with Mumbai's Siddhivinayak and Kashi Vishwanath Mandirs. This initiative by Temple Connect and Blueprint Water aims to combat plastic waste generated by millions of devotees, with plans for reusable bottles and local production units.

Television star Rupali Ganguly fondly recalled a childhood visit to vaishno devi where veteran actor Rishi Kapoor scolded her and her brother for riding horses. Ganguly shared that Kapoor insisted they walk, deeming them lazy. She also mentioned her father's film 'Pyaar Ke Kabil' was shot there, with Kapoor always walking to the temple.

A devotee's pilgrimage to vaishno devi took an unexpected turn when the yatra was paused. Facing an expensive hotel stay, Madhav found a clever solution: a 3-hour, 49-minute late-night screening of the popular film Dhurandhar 2. This provided comfortable accommodation for the night, saving him a significant amount and allowing him to proceed with his darshan plans the next morning.

A fire broke out at the vaishno devi shrine complex in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Tuesday, damaging a cash counter, officials said. No one was injured in the fire, which broke out from the structure adjoining the 'Bhawan' (sanctum sanctorum), the officials said.

The Shri Mata vaishno devi Shrine Board is undertaking a comprehensive plan to transform Katra into a modern, vibrant town. Initiatives include establishing an international museum, a sound-and-light spectacle, and a documentary to enhance the spiritual and cultural experience for pilgrims and visitors. The Board is also focusing on local economic development and employment opportunities.

To facilitate the pilgrims during their pilgrimage to vaishno devi, various refreshment units have been made operational at strategic locations on the track by the shrine board.

Pilgrimage to the cave shrine of vaishno devi in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra has resumed after a brief half following the stampede incident. At least 12 people were killed and 15 others injured in the stampede outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine.

Tragedy struck at vaishno devi shrine in Jammu on Saturday when 12 people died and over a dozen others suffered injuries in a stampede during a heavy rush of devotees on New Year.

Komal Jamwar, diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, experienced rapid paralysis and was even declared dead. Her husband's persistent CPR and her family's unwavering support, coupled with her own strong will to live, were instrumental in her recovery. After months of rehabilitation, Komal regained her ability to walk, proving the power of hope and perseverance.