📝 Mahashivratri Shiv Khori Rush — When to Go Guide

Shiv Khori's grandest fair — lakhs of devotees over 3 days, bhajans-bhandaras, Ransoo fairground Shiv-baraat-like vibe

Dates Feb-Mar (panchang TODO: verify) Best time for Vaishno Devi + Shiv Khori combos.

Main day: 2-3 lakhs, 4-6 hr lines. ±2 days: 50k, 2 hrs. ±1 week: normal Ransoo halts needed on main day.

Fair-devotion seekers = main day (with prep) Easy darshan = 3-4 days pre/post Elders-kids = beforehand only.

Ransoo dharmshalas-tents, Katra hotels Free bhandaras with lines

Own food-medicines Hotels 15 days ahead.

Reasi-Ransoo one-ways/diversions (TODO: verify announcements) Leave 5 AM Distant parking — add walks.

Hold kids' wrists, pocket chits No pushing in crowds Police help centres.

Day 1: Vaishno Devi Day 2: Shiv Khori (main day ±2)

Day 3: return See /guide/nearby-places.

Jammu tradition holds Vaishno Devi (Shakti) plus Shiv Khori (Shiva) complete the yatra — so at Mahashivratri thousands visit Mata's darbar then Bholenath's cave Order: Vaishno Devi first (2 days), Shiv Khori after (1 day)

Keep 1 rest day between — 3 straight climbing days exhaust Base at Katra: Day 1-2 Bhawan darshan, Day 3 morning Shiv Khori, evening return

Locker heavy bags at Katra hotel, carry light Split combos over 4 days for elders (2+1+1)

Combo costs TODO: verify (~₹4000-6000/head extra) Full combo map on /guide/nearby-places.

The administration sets up tent-sheds, water tankers, mobile toilets, medical camps and lost-found centres at fairs Still carry own water-ORS-medicines — counters sit far in crowds

Pickpockets stay active at fairs — split cash in 2 spots, phones in inner pockets Ink kids' hands with name-phone

Pre-book tents for night halts — full by evening Return taxis cost more at night — finish sharing by day.