Jammu, May 28 -- Finally, the number of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims has started swelling, returning the hustle and bustle back to the Katra town-the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhavan nestled in the Trikuta Hills of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Vaishno Devi yatra witnessed a sudden decline after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack followed by "Operation Sindoor" launched by India.

"The yatra has started increasing for the last week," said the Shrine Board official.

He said, "With the rise in numbers, around 18000 to 20000 pilgrims are reaching Katra on a daily basis to visit the Bhawan."

Along with tight security, the Shrine Board has also made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims, he said, adding, "The p...