Jammu, Jan. 15 -- On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has reopened the historic natural cave at the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, said officials. The reopening was marked by special rituals and prayers, accompanied by Vedic chanting. The natural cave, which remains closed for most of the year due to heavy pilgrim inflow, is thrown open during the months of January and February, when footfall is comparatively lower. During the remaining months, pilgrims access the sanctum sanctorum through the newly constructed caves. The chief executive officer, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, highlighted that careful measures have been implemented to manage crowd flow and prevent congestion along the route, while special provisions have been introduced to assist elderly and differently-abled pilgrims....