area. On the Pratipada of Sharadiya Navratri, the building of Maa Vaishno Devi in Katra, Jammu has been decorated like a bride. A large number of devotees are gathered to worship the goddess. Special care has been taken for the convenience of the devotees. At the same time, a huge Shat Chandi Mahayagya has also been organized in the Maa Vaishno Devi Bhawan premises. The huge pandals, welcome gates and statues of Gods and Goddesses built at various places in the premises of Mata Bhawan are attracting the devotees. The atmosphere is fragrant with the fragrance of local and foreign fruits and flowers. The number of devotees is increasing to get the divine darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi. By Wednesday afternoon, about 25,500 devotees had registered and had left for the darshan of the Mother Goddess. RFID travel cards are being provided to the devotees without any delay, due to which they do not face any difficulty in travelling. Several registration centers have been opened in Katra for devotees to obtain RFID Travel Cards, including the railway station, main bus stand, helipad and other places. No one is allowed to visit Vaishno Devi without RFID card. Police and Shrine Board officials are present at all the entry gates, who are allowing the devotees to proceed after checking the cards. New red and yellow RFID cards have been issued, while older cards will no longer be valid.
Self-registration ATM has been installed at Katra Railway Station for the devotees coming with online travel slip, through which they can get the travel card without standing in the queue. Modern langar has been arranged for the devotees in the Ardh Kuwari temple complex, where they are being served pure ghee khichdi and other nutritious food. Healthy water centers have also been established for water supply. Apart from this, a huge Shat Chandi Mahayagya is being organized in the premises of Maa Vaishno Devi Bhawan, in which worship will be performed by 51 Pandits. This yagya is being organized for the happiness and peace of the country and the world. Strict security arrangements have also been made. Police and CRPF personnel are deployed at every nook and corner in Katra. The security system is also being monitored through about 400 CCTV cameras and drones. To control the crowd, 6 sectors have been created, in which officers will be deployed at various key places. Advance booking of special facilities is completely full, which include helicopter service, battery car service, and ropeway. Devotees will also get an opportunity to attend Ataka Aarti, where renowned singers of the country will present bhajans.