Jammu, Sept 26: The Navratra festival commenced today at Katra, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, with colourful processions marking the nine-day celebrations. About 2000 people participated in the procession which was taken from the Shrine Board office to Ragunath Mandir in the town, official sources said, adding that several decorated tableaux formed the part of the procession. Earlier, the State Governor, S.K.Sinha paid obeisance at the shrine and took stock of the facilities being provided to pilgrims. The Navratra festival committee has organised several programmes during the Navdurgostva, including a devotional song competition at the Chinta Mani Mandir complex, traditional wrestling competition, and a Chandi Yagya by renowned priests. Handloom and handicraft exhibitions have also been arranged at Katra for the devotees. The festival has jointly been organised by the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, J and K Tourism Department, Songs and Drama Division, and various state departments and associations connected with with travel, trade and hotels.
Bureau Report