Heat fails to dampen spirit of Vaishno Devi devotees

The searing heat sweeping the Jammu region of the state has failed to dampen the spirits of Vaishno Devi devotees, who are turning up in large numbers to pay obeisance at the shrine.
According to officials, an estimated over 30,000 devotees are arriving at the Katra base camp everyday, well above the 22,000 to 24,000-mark recorded in previous years.
"There is no affect of extreme heat wave on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. The Yatra is going on smoothly," an official said.
A record over 30 lakh pilgrims have visited the shrine since January this year, out of which over 5 lakh have arrived in this month only.

For the convenience of devotees, the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has augmented drinking water supply and has built a number of shelters.