Vaishno Devi Yatra: Orry Booked for Rule Break

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Social media influencer Orry and 7 others booked for consuming alcohol in Katra.
• Strict adherence to Vaishno Devi Yatra rules is mandatory.
• Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are banned in and around the yatra route.
• Tobacco products and other intoxicants are prohibited during the pilgrimage.
• Devotees are advised to follow regulations for a safe and respectful pilgrimage.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Social media influencer Orhan Awatramani, better known as Orry, along with eight others, has been booked for allegedly consuming alcohol at a hotel in Katra, Reasi district of Jammu. Katra serves as the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. The Vaishno Devi Yatra is a sacred journey.

According to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, an FIR was registered against Orhan Awatramani, Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, Ritick Singh, Rashi Dutta, Rakshita Bhogal, Shagun Kohli, and Anastasila Arzamaskina for “violating the law of the land.” A special team has been formed to apprehend them for “hurting the sentiments of the people.” This is a violation of the Vaishno Devi Yatra rules.

A police officer cited the complaint, stating, “They consumed liquor on the hotel premises despite being informed that alcohol and non-vegetarian food were not allowed due to the property’s proximity to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.” Rule adherence is essential.

With Vaishno Devi attracting over 10 million devotees annually, this incident highlights the strict rules that must be followed when visiting the sacred site. These regulations, enforced by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, apply to the 12-kilometer trek from Katra to the holy cave, as well as surrounding areas. The Vaishno Devi Yatra is a significant pilgrimage.

Let’s discuss what is prohibited:

1. Alcohol – Banned not only in Katra but also in nearby villages like Arli, Hansali, and Matyal.
2. Meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs – Prohibited in Katra.
3. Tobacco products – Cigarettes, bidis, matchboxes, and other addictive substances are banned beyond Banganga. (Banganga is a sacred stop where many devotees bathe before continuing their journey. From here, the trek to the Vaishno Devi shrine at Bhawan is about 12-13 km.)
4. Lighters, scissors (metal with pointed tips), and toy weapons – Not allowed beyond Banganga.
5. Sharp objects – Items such as axes, knives (of any length or type), hatchets, cattle prods, crowbars, hammers, drills, and razor-type blades (excluding safety razors) are prohibited beyond Banganga.
6. Weapons and explosives – Ammunition, BB guns, compressed air guns, firearms, firearm parts, pellet guns, and realistic replicas of weapons are strictly banned.
7. Flammable substances – Cooking fuels, gasoline, and gas torches are not permitted beyond Banganga.
8. Harmful chemicals – Disabling chemicals and other dangerous substances are banned.
9. Video filming – Video cameras/camcorders are prohibited en route; filming is not allowed beyond Banganga.
10. Coconuts – Not allowed beyond the frisking point at Bhawan. Deposit your coconuts inside the main waiting hall against a token.
11. Encouraging begging – Begging is strictly prohibited.
12. Defacing property – Sticking posters, writing on walls, or damaging property is a punishable offense with fines and imprisonment.
13. Chanting slogans inside the cave – Not permitted.
14. Kanya Poojan – Strictly prohibited.
15. No tips – Tips, dakshina or any other gratification to any employee or person is not allowed.

Things to remember for a smooth pilgrimage:

1. Obtain an official yatra slip – Get it only from the Yatra Registration Counter at the Tourist Reception Centre at the Katra bus stand. Without a valid slip, crossing the Banganga check post is not permitted.
2. Ensure proper receipts – Obtain official receipts for all payments made to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVSB) and private vendors. Always check official rate lists before making payments.
3. Donate only in designated places – Use only the donation boxes provided by SMVSB. Donations at authorized counters in Katra, Adhkuwari, Sanji Chhat, and Bhawan are tax-exempt under the Income Tax Act. Always get a formal receipt.
4. Respect fellow pilgrims – Avoid loud or inappropriate attire, offensive language, or rude gestures.
5. Stick to designated paths – Walk on paved tracks instead of stairs. Do not rest in areas with warning signs, near landslide-prone zones, or attempt to overtake others in difficult stretches.
6. Secure valuables – Avoid carrying excessive cash, jewelry, or valuables. Don’t trust strangers with your belongings. Deposit extra baggage in the cloakroom, as only cash and specific offerings are permitted inside the Holy Cave.
7. Follow Darshan procedures – Wait for your group number to be announced before proceeding for Darshan at Gate No.1. Do not crowd or attempt to skip the queue.
8. Bhairon darshan – Visit Bhairon Temple only after darshans at the Holy Cave.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Orry and 7 others booked for breaking Vaishno Devi Yatra rules.
• Alcohol and non-vegetarian food prohibited in Katra and surrounding areas.
• Certain items, like flammable substances, are restricted during the yatra.
• Obtaining an official slip and adhering to regulations is crucial for the yatra.
• Respect fellow pilgrims and follow safety guidelines for a smooth journey.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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