Pilgrims flock to Kashmir's Vaishno Devi shrine on New Year

Katra/Shimla, Jan 2 (ANI): Braving chilling winds, hundreds of pilgrims flocked to Katra on their way to the Vaishno Devi shrine.

The pilgrims said they preferred to start the New Year with the blessings of the goddess rather than spending their time in pubs and clubs.

"I could not have started this year in a better way. We paid obeisance to the goddess. The goddess will fulfil all our wishes. One feels peaceful after coming here," said Lakshya Khanna, a devotee.

Shimla too witnessed a heavy rush on the occasion of New Year with tourists crowding discotheques and restaurants.

The tourists said they would have enjoyed it a lot more if there was snowfall.

"We are enjoying a lot. People come here every year to celebrate New Year. The If there was snowfall, we would have enjoyed a lot more," said Kulbinder Singh, a tourist.

In Shimla, most hotels and pubs were jam packed with revelers. (ANI)