Four days that follow one thread of faith: darshan at Mata Vaishno Devi in the Trikuta hills, then the November fair of Baba Jitto, the farmer-saint who was her devotee. Along the way, a traditional Dogra lunch and the old city food of Jammu.
Festival window · 2026 edition · 24 Nov–26 Nov
Nov
Dates follow the lunar calendar and are confirmed each year.
the festival, in a few words
moments that stay
Darshan at Mata Vaishno Devi, with your host handling yatra registration and the logistics of the climb
A full day in Katra for the yatra at your own pace, with rest built in on both sides
A traditional Dogra lunch in a village home: rajma, maah da madra, ambal, kadhi and rice
An early evening at Jhiri Mela, one of the biggest folk fairs in North India, as the lamps come on
The story of Baba Jitto, the farmer-saint and devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi, told at his temple and Baba da Talab
A morning Old City Food Walk in Jammu: City Chowk halwa, kalari kulcha, kachalu and rajma chawal
follow the festival's rhythm
3 nights. 4 days. A valley of stories.
DAY 1
Theme: Jammu to Katra · Yatra registration and an easy evening at the foot of the Trikuta
Your host meets you in Jammu and drives you to Katra. After yatra registration, spend an easy evening in the Katra bazaar with a simple dinner, and rest for the darshan.
01 / 04
a glimpse of the gathering
Step into the heart of Dogra folklore with this beautifully animated story of Baba Jitto, one of Jammu's most revered folk heroes. Baba Jitto, a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and justice, is remembered by generations of Dogras for standing up against feudal oppression. Through vibrant animation and traditional storytelling, this video brings alive his legendary tale, deeply rooted in the Dogri culture and heritage of Jammu. Whether you're passionate about Indian folktales, regional legends, or exploring the soul of Dogra identity, this video is a must-watch!
the people behind the celebration
This journey routes your spend directly to the people you meet: the family who cooks your Dogra lunch, the local hosts who walk you through Jhiri Mela, and the old city food stalls of Jammu, many of them run by the same families for generations. We take small groups and never interrupt rituals or stage anything for the camera.
Pilgrims who want more than a darshan-and-return trip · Families and senior travellers · Diaspora guests from Jammu · Festival and folklore lovers · Food lovers · First-time visitors to Jammu.
a little curiosity goes a long way
before you pack your bags
Jhiri Mela is held every year around Kartik Purnima. The fair runs for about a week or more. The official dates are announced by the Jammu administration, and we fix the departure to match them.
The walk from Banganga to the Bhawan is about 12–13 km each way on a paved, uphill path. Ponies, palki, battery car (on part of the route) and helicopter services are available, subject to Shrine Board availability.
Yes. Every pilgrim needs a yatra registration (RFID card) from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Yes, with the pony, palki or helicopter options for the yatra. Days 1, 3 and 4 are easy.
Baba Jitto was a 15th-century farmer from Aghar village near Katra and a devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi. He gave his life protesting a landlord who broke their agreement on his harvest, and he is honoured as the folk-saint of Jammu's farmers. Jhiri Mela is held in his memory.
Daytime crowds ease a little by late afternoon, the light is soft, and the fair comes alive as the lamps are lit. It also lets you rest after the yatra.
We shorten the food walk to a breakfast trail of City Chowk halwa and a few stops or move part of it to the evening of Day 3.
Most meals are vegetarian, and food in Katra is vegetarian. Tell us about any dietary needs when you book.
Yes, outdoors. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the Vaishno Devi Bhawan; lockers are available. At the mela, ask before photographing people praying or bathing.
another place, another story
letters from this corner of India
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