The Vaishno Devi Yatra is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages in the country – known for attracting millions of devotees from all over India. However, amidst the backdrop of catastrophic rains and floods causing heavy damage in many parts of North India, the Vaishno Devi Yatra remains suspended as of September 3, 2025.
It has now been suspended for nine days – the longest such suspension after COVID-19. The the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has promised that devotees will be assured of a full refund on all pilgrim-related services. Keep reading to know more about how the Vaishno Devi Yatra got suspended and how you can get a refund if you’ve paid for any of those services.
Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended: Why It Got Suspended And How To Get A Full Refund
Torrential Rain And Flooding In North India, Including Katra
Heavy rains have caused massive flooding and unprecedented damage in many parts of North India. With several casualties reported already and dozens of people injured or missing, these floods have devastated many parts of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Delhi and National Capital Region, Haryana, and other regions.
Each day, there are multiple instances of rising river-water levels, flooding in villages and low-lying areas, landslides, roadblocks, submerged towns and settlements, and other catastrophic events being reported.
Torrential rains hit the area in and around Katra as well, with reports of a landslide claiming the lives of 30 people and injuring 20 others. This disaster, that took place near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari, lies halfway along the 12 kilometer-long trek from Katra to the Trikuta Hills cave.
However, nine days have passed since the Vaishno Devi Yatra has been suspended, with no clear signs of the yatra being resumed yet. Authorities have said that services shall remain shut until the weather improves and the path is secure for devotees again.
How To Get A Full Refund On Vaishno Devi Yatra 2025 Bookings?
SMVDSB has officially stated that all bookings remain cancelled in light of the recent natural calamity in North India. Devotees will get a 100% refund on all the bookings made for Vaishno Devi Yatra. Bookings eligible for a refund are as follows:
- Helicopter services (Katra to Bhawan)
- Ropeway rides (Bhawan to Bhairon Ghati)
- Hotel bookings
- All other yatra-related bookings
Devotees can get a full refund for all the bookings they’ve made by just sending their cancellation requests with all details of the booking to refund@maavaishnodevi.net. Also, earlier self-cancellations, i.e. those made before the official suspension of the yatra, will get a refund within 15 days as per the official X handle of SMVDSB.
In case you’re stuck, have a query, or need any kind of assistance, you can contact the SMVDSB Call Center at two contact numbers: 18001807212/ +91 9906019494.
Key Helpline Numbers
- State Helpline: 1070
- District Helpline: 1077
- Child Protection Helpline: 1098
- Khalsa Aid Emergency Helpline:+91 88724 24869
- Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority: 1070 or 1077
- Punjab Flood Control Room (Jalandhar): 0181-2240064
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Control Room: 011-23438091
- All-in-one Emergency Number (India): 112
Key Organizations Providing Relief To Flood Victims And How You Can Help Them
Initiators of Change
This youth-led organization by Punjabi youngsters provides on-ground relief to flood victims by providing them with dry rations, battery torches, powdered milk, and clean water, among other survival essentials.
Donate to Initiators of Change
HelpAge India
HelpAge India is one of the most prominent not-for-profit organizations working in India currently. They provide healthcare, temporary shelters, food, survival essentials, and hygiene materials to needy victims.
Hemkund Foundation
This non-profit organization is one of the key organizations carrying out on-ground relief work in many parts of Punjab. They provide food, healthcare, and other essentials to flood victims.
DonateKart
This Bangalore-based crowdfunding platform uses its donation to provide on-ground support for many social causes and calamities, including the ongoing devastating floods in North India. It provides solar torches, warm meals, shelter kits, and medicinal supplies to those who need it.
Oxfam India
Registered under Section 8 of the Indian Companies Act, 2013, this non-profit organization uses our donation to provide shelter materials, clean water, temporary toilets, and other necessary aid to flood victims.
Political Dissent Rises As Officials Question Yatra Board’s Decision To Allow Vaishno Devi Yatra
Reasi district, where Vaishno Devi’s sacred temple is located, has been one of the most affected areas due to the recent downpour. Moreover, the landslide that struck at Adhkuwari killed 30 pilgrims and injured 20.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha quickly suspended the yatra and set up a high-level three-member committee to investigate the causes of the landslide.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary have raised allegations on the Lieutenant Governor’s administration that allowed the yatra to the cave shrine despite heavy weather warnings.
The SMVDSB has refuted allegations of allowing devotees to resume the yatra despite adverse weather warnings. The board says that it shut down its pilgrimage at noon on August 26, just ahead of the devastating cloudburst that caused the landslide at Adhkuwari.
Summing Up
With the Vaishno Devi Yatra standing suspended, devotees can claim a full refund of the bookings they made. The yatra, despite being one of the largest of its kind in India, will remain shut for devotees for their own safety as most parts of North India drown in devastating floods. We hope you found this guide on getting a full refund on the Vaishno Devi Yatra and the flood situation in the North super useful. Stay alert, stay informed, and keep a tab on news updates.
