Millions line up for ‘sacred henna’ at Indian temple

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Published: 2026-09-15T08:55:45.307Z • Permanent link

Millions of devotees from across India flocked to the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, converging on the sacred site to adorn themselves with intricate henna designs, known locally as "mehndi." According to eyewitnesses, the queue for the temple's henna application center stretched for miles, with devotees camping overnight in anticipation of their turn. Thousands of workers, mostly women, were on hand to meticulously apply the intricate designs, which are believed to possess spiritual significance and bring good fortune.

Rabri Devi, a local businesswoman who has been operating a henna stall at the temple for over two decades, reported a significant surge in demand for her services this year. "We've had a record number of bookings," she said. "It's not just about the aesthetics; it's about the spiritual significance of the designs. We work tirelessly to ensure that every design is perfect, as it's believed to bring blessings from the goddess." According to temple officials, over 10,000 devotees were expected to receive henna applications during the festival, which is set to run until next week.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit the temple on Monday, is expected to witness the henna application process firsthand. Modi's office has announced plans to provide free henna applications to all devotees, in an effort to promote tourism and economic growth in the region. The temple's management has also partnered with a local company to provide a digital platform for devotees to book their henna appointments and track the status of their applications.

The henna festival at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple is significant not only for its cultural and spiritual significance but also for its impact on the AI and tech ecosystem. The temple's management has partnered with a local company to provide a digital platform for devotees to book their henna appointments and track the status of their applications. This move is seen as a pioneering effort in the application of artificial intelligence and data analytics in the traditional Indian tourism industry.

The success of this initiative has the potential to inspire similar projects across the country, with far-reaching implications for the Indian tech sector. According to a report by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), the tourism industry in India is expected to reach $28.3 billion by 2025, with AI-powered solutions set to play a major role in this growth. Companies like Zomato, MakeMyTrip, and Cleartrip are already exploring the use of AI and data analytics to improve customer experience and streamline operations.

The henna festival at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple is part of a larger pattern of cultural and spiritual revival in India, which has been gaining momentum in recent years. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote cultural heritage and spiritual tourism, including the development of a national cultural policy and the establishment of a ministry dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage.