Articles by "NAVRATRA FESTIVAL"
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REASI/JAMMU, OCTOBER 17: In a harmonious celebration of Navratra, Katra and Jammu are ablaze with spiritual devotion and cultural richness as devotees and artists unite to honor the divine presence of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. As the Navratra festivities reach their third day, the cultural mosaic continues to dazzle with its blend of theater, spiritual narratives and soul-stirring devotional music.

At the Spiritual Growth Centre, the celebrated Natrang theatre group takes the stage, bringing to life 'Mata ki Kahani' - a mesmerizing narrative deeply intertwined with the veneration of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.

Meanwhile, at Durga Bhawan, devotees have gathered to immerse themselves in the spiritually enriching Bhagwat Katha, a profound narrative that delves into the divine significance of Navratra, guiding individuals on a path of spiritual fulfillment.

Adding another layer of devotion and musical enchantment, Yog Ashram Katra hosts the highly anticipated All India Devotional Song Competition, where talented participants showcase their unwavering devotion through soul-stirring melodies. The anticipation for the competition's results, to be revealed on the final day of Navratra.

In a collaborative effort between the Raghunath Bazar Businessmen Association, Jammu and the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, the vibrant Mata Ka Jagran takes place at Raghunath Bazaar Chowk. The event features mesmerizing Mata Ke Bhajans performed by renowned artists from Jammu, creating an atmosphere brimming with spirituality and inspiring the entire city to unite in devotion.

Prominent dignitaries including Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Director Tourism, Publicity, Jammu, Sugandhi Banotra, Assistant Director Tourism, Jammu, Jagwinder Tak (SO) Tourism Department Jammu, and the venerable President of the Raghunath Bazar Businessmen Association, Sanjay Gupta, grace the occasion alongside prominent citizens and officials of the department.

The Raghunath Bazar Businessmen Association Jammu commends the Jammu Tourism for their tireless efforts in organizing and celebrating the auspicious Navratra festival, creating an atmosphere brimming with positivity and joy. The event comes to a grand culmination with a heartfelt Aarti of Maa Durga, where everyone unites in prayers for the well-being of the world.


 REASI, OCTOBER 16: The second day of Navratra Festival 2023 in Katra unfolded as a vibrant celebration of India's rich cultural and spiritual diversity.

This festival, a collaborative effort by the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra and divisional administration Jammu as well as district administration Reasi, is a homage to the sacred Navratras while also serving as a beacon for tourism in the region.

The day commenced with a soul-stirring Prabhat Pheri procession early morning, where devotees enthusiastically joined in, singing devotional bhajans dedicated to Shri Maa Vaishno Devi. Originating from Fountain Chowk Katra and winding through the main bazaar, the procession resounded with faith and devotion.

Later in the day, two mesmerizing showings of 'Mata ki Kahani' ent


hralled the audience at the Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra, with screenings today evening. This captivating play elegantly narrated the divine story of shri Maa Vaishno Devi, brought to life by the artists of Natrang, a renowned theatre group. The play left the audience deeply moved and inspired by the grace of shri Maa Vaishno Devi.

The day's centerpiece was the grand inauguration of a cultural and multimedia exhibition by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), graced by Dr. Jatinder Singh, Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, and esteemed dignitaries, including public representatives. This exhibition was a vibrant canvas of India's diverse culture and creativity.

Adding an extra layer of divine depth to the festival, a spiritual voyage through the Bhagwat Katha took place at Durga Bhawan Katra.


The day concluded with harmonious notes of All India Devotional Song Competition in the evening in Yog Ashram Katra. Aspiring singers from every corner of the nation competed for the prestigious title of 'Bhakti Ki Awaaz.' These talented performers rendered devotional songs in various languages and genres, captivating the audience. A panel of distinguished experts in music and spirituality served as judges, with the competition's winners eagerly awaited for the festival's final day.

In addition to the festivities in Katra, a divine Navratra celebration took place with Mata ka Jagran at Kali Mata Mandir, Manthal, Udhampur set against the majestic backdrop of the Trikuta Hills, this event left a profound spiritual impact.

The Navratra Festival will continue its mesmerizing journey until October 23, offering a week filled with an array of events and activities. With a diverse tapestry of cultural celebrations, the festival is poised to draw pilgrims and tourists alike to Katra, where they can pay homage to Shri Maa Vaishno Devi, immerse themselves in the vibrant mosaic of Indian culture, and delve into the spiritual depth of the Bhagwat Katha.

 


KATHUA, OCTOBER 15: The auspicious nine-day Shardiya Navratri festival commenced in Kathua with an overwhelming display of religious fervor and enthusiasm. Devotees from far and wide congregated at various shrines and temples across the district including the revered Mata Sukrala and Mata Bala Sundri Shrines in Billawar and several other temples.

Similar scenes of religious devotion unfolded at other prominent temples in the region, including Mata Asha Purni, Mata Chanchalo Devi Basohli, Mata Bala Sundri Temple Nagri, Jasrota Mata Temple and Dhoula Mata Temple in Bani. The morning 'Aarti' marked the beginning of these festivities, igniting an atmosphere of spirituality, unity and reverence.

The Kathua Administration has made exceptional arrangements to ensure the safety and convenience of the devotees during this joyous occasion. From increased security measures to facilitating access to the holy sites to providing a seamless and harmonious Navratri experience is evident. The district administration has meticulously arranged all the necessary facilities to accommodate the influx of worshippers.

Pertinently, this year's Navratri festival in Basohli is poised to be a vibrant and culturally rich celebration, promising a unique blend of tradition and innovation as the District Administration will host a maiden theme-based Laser Show in Basohli from October 21-23 adding an enchanting spectacle to the festivities. This Laser Show is expected to be a special attraction for the visitors who have come to witness the world-renowned Basohli Ramleela, making the festival an even more memorable experience.

Besides, the Basohli Navratri festival will also host an array of engaging activities including a Photography competition and a captivating Photo Exhibition. These activities are designed to celebrate and showcase the artistic talents of the local community providing a platform for creative expression. Moreover, culinary enthusiasts can look forward to an array of mouthwatering delights as the festival will feature local delicacies, offering a taste of the region's rich culinary heritage.

The devotees thronging the shrines hailed District Administration for arranging amenities for their convenience and expressed hope that Kathua district will register record footfall of pilgrims as district administration along with Shrine/Mandir committees of revered shrines in Kathua has made elaborate arrangements to give hassle free experience to all the devotees coming from all parts of the JKUT and neighbouring states.

 

DC conducts comprehensive review of preparedness for nine Day festival

KATHUA, OCTOBER 10: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rakesh Minhas today chaired a meeting of officers to review the arrangements for the ensuing Navratra festival here in the DC Office complex.

During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held with regard to the arrangements viz cleanliness, sanitation, drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, traffic plan and checking of rates of eatables besides security arrangements in and around the important temples and shrines of the district.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the Jal Shakti Department functionaries to ensure regular supply of drinking water at the shrines and other important points enroute to shrines. He directed concerned XENs of PMGSY divisions to repair Mata Bala Sundri, Mata Sukrala, Doula Mata, Jasrota Mata, Jourian Mata shrines, further directed concerned BDOs to repair bridle paths leading to the temples and shrines.

Similarly, the instructions were passed on to the PDD department to  make provision of additional transformers for Mata Jourian and Mata Bala Sundri shrines to meet any contingency besides ensuring uninterrupted power supply to all the shrines.

The DC directed that representatives of Mandir management to not use polythene bags for distribution of parshads besides opting traditional pattal-dona for langar.

The RTO Kathua was directed to ensure no overloading and overcharging by the transporters on Yatra routes and to take action against the defaulters. He also directed the Traffic Police department to regulate proper traffic to rule out any traffic congestion during Navratra festival. 

ASP Kathua was directed to maintain a proper security grid in and around important shrines and temples of the district. 

The DC assured Mandir authorities that necessary logistics will be provided by district administration so that timely repair of defunct high mast lights near Mandir complex falling in their respective jurisdictions can be worked out. 

The meeting decided that committees headed by concerned Tehsildar to regularly inspect the market to keep a regular watch on cleanliness, single use plastic, eatables, overcharging etc.

The Department of Legal Metrology and Food Safety were directed to visit eateries, sweet shops to ensure quality of eatables, adulteration and submit daily reports to the Deputy Commissioner Office.

Members of management committees, Pujaris of temples and shrines projected various problems and demands for which the Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officers for their mitigation.

Similar instructions were also issued to ADC Billawar, ADC Basohli and SDM Bani joined virtually to ensure all logistic and other services by different departments to be extended for smooth observance of Navratra festival.

ADC Kathua Ranjit Singh, SDM Hiranagar, CPO Kathua CEO Kathua and all other concerned officers of various departments were present in the meeting.