Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Apr 9: Shat Chandi MahaYagya, organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board began today at the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji amidst the serene aura of spirituality and devotion besides, performance of other religious ceremonies on the auspicious occasion of ‘Chaitra Navratra’.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; K K Sharma, Member, SMVDSB; Vikas Anand, SDM Bhawan; other officers and staff of the Shrine Board, besides a large number of pilgrims were present on the occasion. The Yagya ceremony is being telecast live on MH1 Shraddha from 12 Noon to 1 PM daily during Navratras.
The intricate floral arrangements, coupled with traditional motifs and embellishments, have been enhancing the divine ambiance of the shrine while evoking a sense of reverence and joy among the visiting devotees.
The Shrine Board has also made elaborate arrangements as per directions of Manoj Sinha, Lt. Governor JK-UT and Chairman SMVDSB for facilitating a large number of pilgrims who are expected to pay their obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum during Navratras. These arrangements include round the clock water and power supply all along the tracks leading to the shrine, sanitation, medicare and availability of special “fast related” food at the Board’s Bhojanalayas. Besides, all the routes leading to the holy cave shrine are fully maintained for smooth movement of pilgrims.
The illumination of the Bhawan area with attractive and colourful lights has also been done. For the ease and comfort of pilgrims, facilities like the accommodation, battery operated vehicles, passenger ropeway and helicopter services are operating smoothly. The Shrine Board has also made arrangements for free food for the pilgrims at Tarakote Marg, Prasad Kendra at Sanjichatt, besides free Langar Sewa at Bhairon Ji.
To facilitate the smooth pilgrimage of Divyang pilgrims, the Board is also providing free pony and battery car services. Other special features of arrangements during these Navratra are Bhajan and Bhaint performances during morning and evening Atka Aarti by the renowned artists.