Navratras begin at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine

‘Navratras’ started at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine on Thursday amid tight security, as hundreds of devotees made a beeline to pay obeisance at the cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Trikuta hills.

Chhat Chandi Maha Yagya was organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at the cave shrine.

It commenced today on the auspicious occasion of the beginning of ‘Navratra’ amid chanting of vedic hymns and other religious ceremonies, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the board, Mandeep K Bhandari said tonight.

The Maha Yagya, which is performed at the cave shrine during ‘Navratras’ for peace and prosperity, will conclude with “purna ahuti” on Maha Navmi (ninth day).

The Shrine Board has made elaborate arrangements for the large number of pilgrims expected to visit the cave shrine during the Navratras.

The CEO, accompanied by other officers of the Shrine Board, took stock of the arrangements from Katra to Bhawan and in the shrine area.

Over 4,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine on the first day of the Navratra and a large number of pilgrims are treading the serpentine path to the cave shrine.

However, the Yatra was a low-key affair in view of the floods.

Heavy security has been put in place and checking and frisking is being done at all entry and exit points.

Police have taken measures to ensure that comprehensive deployment is made to maintain law and order and communal harmony, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Rajesh Kumar, said.