14 lakh pilgrims visit state’s Shaktipeeths during Navratri

Over 14 lakh pilgrims visited major Shaktipeeths and temples across Himachal Pradesh during the Chaitra Navratri, which began on March 30. Devotees flocked to offer prayers and seek blessings during the religious festival, which concluded on April 6.

According to the Himachal Pradesh Police, the highest number of pilgrims, 5,63,577 visited Jwalaji Mata in Dehra, Kangra district. Other major attractions included Mata Bala Sundri in Sirmour district, which drew around 2,77,500 visitors and Naina Devi in Bilaspur district with approximately 2,52,700 pilgrims. Chintpurni Mata in Una district saw 1,00,800 devotees, while 81,975 people visited Baglamukhi Mata in Dehra. Chamunda Devi in Kangra saw 70,000 pilgrims and 68,650 visited Brajeshwari Mata in Kangra.

In total, 1,03,847 vehicles entered the state during the period, including 51,123 light motor vehicles, 40,414 two-wheelers and 12,311 heavy motor vehicles.

DGP Dr Atul Verma commended the efforts of the district police units, traffic management teams, Home Guards and volunteers. He praised their coordination and round-the-clock deployment, which ensured smooth traffic flow, efficient crowd control and the safety of the large number of pilgrims across the state. “The peaceful and incident-free conduct of this important religious festival reflects the professionalism and public service dedication of Himachal Pradesh Police,” he said.

Himachal Tribune