Jammu, Apr 9 : On the commencement of the nine-day long ‘Chaitra Navratri’, thousands of devotees from all over the country flocked to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) organized a special ‘Shat Chandi Maha Yagya’ at the holy cave as part of the auspicious occasion. The rituals aim to promote harmony, abundance, and good health for all attendees.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of SMVDSB, along with other board members and officials, participated in the yagya ceremony, which is being broadcasted live on MH1 Shraddha channel from 12 noon to 1 pm daily for the duration of Navratri.
The shrine has been adorned with intricate colorful lighting, floral arrangements, and traditional motifs to mark the Navratri festivities. Elaborate arrangements have been made by the board under the direction of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to accommodate the large number of pilgrims expected during this period.
These arrangements include round-the-clock water and power supply along the tracks leading to the shrine, sanitation facilities, medical assistance, and availability of special ‘fasting food’ at the board’s ‘bhojanalayas’.
Additionally, facilities such as accommodation, battery-operated vehicles, passenger ropeways, and helicopter services have been provided for the convenience of pilgrims. Free meals will also be available at Tarakote Marg and Prasad Kendra at Sanjichatt, along with ‘langar sewa’ at Bhairon Ji.
The board is also offering free pony and battery car services for differently-abled pilgrims. Special features of the Navratri celebrations at Vaishno Devi shrine include ‘bhajan’ and ‘atka aarti’ performances by renowned artists.
