Mata Vaishnodevi cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday witnessed season’s first snowfall, worsening the cold wave condition enroute the pilgrimage.
The yatra was however going on smoothly with over 15,000 pilgrims undertaking the pilgrimage on Friday.
Helicopter services for the pilgrims have been suspended in view of the continuous snowfall in Trikuta hills where the shrine is situated.
The shrine, which is situated in Reasi district, and its adjoining hills received season’s first snowfall this afternoon, officials said.
Due to the snowfall, cold conditions are prevailing enroute cave shrine but pilgrimage is going on smoothly, they said, adding over 15,000 pilgrims are undertaking yatra to cave shrine on Friday.
There was continuous snowfall in Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Patnitop, Batote, Banihal, Pir Panchal ranges in Poonch and Rajouri districts, besides Bani Basohli areas in Kathua since this morning resulting in extreme cold wave conditions.
Jammu city experienced cold wave conditions due to rainfall, they said, adding the rainfall was also reported in Katra, Udhampur, Reasi plains in the region.
