Pilgrimage to the world famous Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave shrine situated in Trikuta Hills of mountainous Reasi District of Jammu and Kashmir has touched the record number of 98 lakh by November ending, official sources here on Wednesday said. "Till November end, the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage recorded 98 lakh pilgrims visited the shrine as
in 2011, the figure during this period was 94 lakh," sources said.

Due to harsh winter, there is no heavy rush of pilgrims but by the year ending, the yatra would
increase as thousands of pilgrims from across the country visit the shrine on New Year eve.
"The way figure has reached 98 lakh in 11 months  and it is expected that by the end of this year, it may reach 1.10 lakh, which will be a record," they added.

However, all arrangements are being made besides tight security for smooth and successful Vaishno Devi pilgrimage for the pilgrims visiting Katra to pay obeisance at the cave shrine on New Year.