Navratra festivities light up Katra

JAMMU: The nine-day long Navratras festivities began at Katra on Sunday. Union minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated the festivities, which was marked with a traditional puja and a cultural extravaganza by artists from across the country.

Artists of the Regional Outreach Bureau of India performed folk dances from Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and other states. Folk dances of Jammu region like Kud, Geetru and a Bhaderwahi dance were also presented by local artists.

The Union minister congratulated the tourists as well as the local community on the auspicious occasion of first Navratra. He prayed to the goddess for progress and prosperity of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

Advisor to governor KK Sharma said the state government has passed a proposal of ₹98 crore for rejuvenation plan for Ban Ganga stream and its DPR has been forwarded to the Union government.

SEWAGE PLANTS TO KEEP BAN GANGA CLEAN

“To prevent flow of waste and sewage into Ban Ganga, three major sewage treatment plants and one small STP will come up around Katra soon,” he added.

DAY 1 MARKED WITH A PUJA AND CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA BY ARTISTS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY

MAHA YAGYA

‘Shat Chandi Maha Yagya’ organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at the holy cave shrine commenced on Sunday on the first day of the Navratras.

The ‘maha yagya’, which is performed at the holy cave shrine during Navratras for peace and prosperity, will conclude with ‘purna ahuti’ on Navami. The Bhawan, Atka and the area surrounding it have been decorated with flowers.

The shrine board has made elaborate arrangements for facilitating a large number of pilgrims who are expected to pay obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum during these nine special days dedicated to the goddess.