Thousands of devotees from across the country gathered at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir as the nine-day ‘Chaitra Navratri’ festival commenced on Tuesday. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) organized a special ‘Shat Chandi Maha Yagya’ and performed rituals at the holy cave amidst a tranquil atmosphere, a spokesperson of the board confirmed.
The sacred ceremonies at the shrine, situated atop Trikuta hills, throughout the Navratri period are intended to promote harmony, prosperity, and good health for all devotees. Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of SMVDSB, along with other board members and officials, attended the yagya ceremony alongside the pilgrims, the spokesperson added.
The havan is being broadcasted live on MH1 Shraddha channel from 12 noon to 1 pm daily for the duration of the nine-day festival.
In preparation for Navratri, the shrine has been beautifully adorned with colorful lighting, floral arrangements, and traditional motifs.
Elaborate arrangements have been made by the board under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who chairs SMVDSB, to accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims during Navratri.These arrangements include continuous water and power supply along the tracks leading to the shrine, sanitation facilities, medical services, and availability of special ‘fasting food’ at the board’s dining areas. “For the convenience of pilgrims, facilities such as accommodation, battery-operated vehicles, passenger ropeways, and helicopter services have been provided and are operating smoothly,” the spokesperson remarked.
Free meals will be served to pilgrims at Tarakote Marg and Prasad Kendra at Sanjichatt, alongside ‘langar sewa’ at Bhairon Ji.
To assist differently-abled pilgrims, the board is offering free pony and battery car services to the shrine, the official noted.
Special highlights of the Navratri celebrations at Vaishno Devi shrine include devotional songs (bhajan) and ceremonial rituals (atka aarti) performed by renowned artists.