What is the best time for Vaishno Devi Yatra?

Navratri (April and October) is the most grand time. For peaceful yatra, go in March, September or November.

When is Chaitra Navratri?

In 2026, Chaitra Navratri is from 19 March to 27 March. According to Hindu calendar, from Chaitra Shukla Pratipada to Navami.

How crowded is Vaishno Devi during Navratri?

During Navratri, 50,000 to 1,00,000 devotees arrive daily. Book hotels and RFID parchi well in advance.

What happens at Vaishno Devi during Diwali?

During Diwali, the Bhawan and entire route are decorated with millions of lamps. Special aarti and bhajan-kirtan programmes are organised.

Vaishno Devi Festival Calendar 2025-2026 | Jai Mata Vaishno Devi Katra

🕉️ Mata Vaishno Devi's court is open 365 days, 24 hours — But the yatra experience during festivals is completely different and divine. Millions of lamps, bhajan-kirtan and the faith of millions of devotees together create a wonderful atmosphere.

Jan

2026

Makar Sankranti

Festival

Festival marking Sun northward journey

Mar

2026

Chaitra Navratri

Navratri

Hindu New Year beginning, 9-day festival of Mata Rani

22 Mar – 30 Mar 2026

Oct

2026

Sharad Navratri

Navratri

The biggest festival worshipping Mata Durga

11 Oct – 19 Oct 2026

Nov

2026

Diwali

Festival

Festival of lights, special day for Mata Rani

Month-wise Yatra Rating

The yatra experience varies each month. See below which month is best for you:

January

−2 to 12°C

⭐⭐⭐

Snow, Cold

February

0 to 15°C

⭐⭐⭐

Cold reduces

March

8 to 22°C

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Navratri — Grand

April

12 to 28°C

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best

May

18 to 34°C

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Warm, Crowd

June

22 to 36°C

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Heat, Pleasant

July

18 to 28°C

⭐⭐

Monsoon, Caution

August

18 to 28°C

⭐⭐

Rain, Slippery

September

14 to 26°C

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Peaceful, Good

October

8 to 22°C

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Navratri — Grand

November

2 to 18°C

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Peaceful, Cold starts

December

−2 to 10°C

⭐⭐⭐

Snow, Cold

Navratri — Most Sacred Festival

Navratri comes twice a year — Chaitra Navratri (March/April) and Shardiya Navratri (September/October). During the 9 days of Navratri, nine forms of the Goddess are worshipped:

Nine Forms of Navdurga

1. Shailputri — Daughter of Mountain
2. Brahmacharini — Ascetic Goddess
3. Chandraghanta — Crescent on Head
4. Kushmanda — Creator of Universe
5. Skandmata — Mother of Kartikeya
6. Katyayani — Goddess of War
7. Kalaratri — Conqueror of Darkness
8. Mahagauri — Goddess of Purity
9. Siddhidatri — Bestower of Powers

Tips for Yatra During Navratri

Book hotels 2-3 months in advance
Book RFID Parchi online in advance
Start at 2-4 AM — less crowd
Book helicopter 1 month in advance
Carry food and water — shops difficult in crowd
Contact Shrine Board for VIP/Priority Darshan pass

🌸 Ashtami and Navami: The 8th (Ashtami) and 9th (Navami) days of Navratri have the maximum crowd. Waiting time for darshan can be 8-12 hours on these days. Going on Pratipada (1st day) or Panchami (5th day) may be better.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How many times a year is it good to visit Vaishno Devi?

Depends on Mata's wish! Many devotees come 2-4 times a year — Chaitra Navratri, Shardiya Navratri, birthday and for a wish. As many times as Mata calls!

❓ Does yatra also happen without Navratri?

Absolutely! Mata Vaishno Devi's door remains open 365 days a year. Yatra outside Navratri means less crowd, quick darshan and more peaceful experience.

🌸 Plan Your Yatra Now

Every day is a festival in Mata's court. Start preparing for your yatra today. Jai Mata Di! 🙏

🚂 Prepare for Yatra 📅 Best Time to Visit

🙏 Festival Calendar — Mata Vaishno Devi

Month-wise Yatra Rating

Navratri — Most Sacred Festival

Nine Forms of Navdurga

Tips for Yatra During Navratri

Frequently Asked Questions

🌸 Plan Your Yatra Now