In a significant move aimed at preserving the sanctity and cleanliness of the sacred Vaishno Devi temple town, Katra, the Jammu administration has imposed a comprehensive ban on the sale, possession, and consumption of tobacco products making the surroundings tobacco-free. Implemented under Section 144, this prohibition encompasses cigarettes, gutka, and all forms of tobacco from the Numai and Panthal check posts to the Bhawan via the Tara Court area.
The ban extends the existing restrictions on the sale and consumption of meat and alcohol in Katra and its surroundings, with the objective of maintaining a tobacco-free environment along the pilgrimage route and at the Katra base camp.
Rigorous checks will be conducted to ensure compliance, with strict actions planned against violators. Local shopkeepers and vendors have been duly informed of these new regulations and are expected to adhere to them immediately.
With Katra witnessing a daily influx of 30,000 to 40,000 pilgrims, and millions more during the Navratri festival, the administration’s decision to ban tobacco products is seen as a necessary measure to safeguard the health and sentiments of visiting devotees. This initiative aligns with previous bans on meat and alcohol sales, which were implemented to respect the religious beliefs of pilgrims.
Katra, situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, serves as the base camp for pilgrims embarking on the journey to the revered Vaishno Devi temple. Nestled amidst the Trikuta Mountains, the town offers not only spiritual significance but also stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
For those planning a visit, it’s advisable to avoid the monsoon season and peak winter months, with the ideal time being from March to October. Pilgrims must register for the yatra, which can be conveniently done online through the official website of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or at registration counters in Katra.