Lakhs of devotees have thronged the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, to mark the beginning of the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival. The Shrine Board has made extensive arrangements to manage the large influx of pilgrims. Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya stated that elaborate preparations have been implemented to assist devotees during this auspicious period.
The festival saw long queues of pilgrims at the shrine as thousands arrived to offer prayers on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. The ‘Shat Chandi Maha Yagya’ commenced at the Holy cave shrine, signifying the start of the nine-day celebration. Organized by the Shrine Board, the yagya will continue until Mahanavami on March 26, concluding with ‘Purnahuti’ (complete offering).
The rituals, including the yagya, aim to seek divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of humanity. The proceedings of the yagya are being broadcast live daily on MH1 Shradha, allowing devotees from across the nation and abroad to witness the ceremonies.
Elaborate arrangements have been put in place across the shrine area as per the directions of Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Chairman Manoj Sinha and J&K Lieutenant Governor. The shrine complex has been adorned with flowers, fruits, grand reception gates, and vibrant lighting to create a spiritually uplifting ambiance for devotees.
Round-the-clock water and power supply, sanitation facilities, and medical care services have been ensured by the Shrine Board. Special provisions for fast-related food at langars and bhojanalayas are available for devotees observing Navratri fasts. Additionally, complimentary pony and battery car services have been arranged for ‘Divyang’ pilgrims.
A new ‘Sadhna Kaksh’ (meditation hall) has been established at the Bhawan, with help desks at key locations to aid pilgrims. The Navratri period will feature morning and evening ‘Attka Aarti’ with devotional performances by renowned artists. The Shrine Board is dedicated to providing a safe, seamless, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience for all devotees during the sacred festival.
