Katra, April 6: The sacred 9-day-long Shat Chandi Maha Yagya, organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), concluded with immense reverence and devotion on Mahanavami. Over 3.5 lakh devotees from across India and abroad visited the shrine during the Chaitra Navratra to seek the blessings of the revered Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Vikas Anand, SDM Bhawan; other officers and staff of the Shrine Board, besides pilgrims participated in Purnahuti and other religious ceremonies performed amidst Vedic mantras on the occasion. This spiritual occasion was further sanctified by a group of Pandits led by Padma Shri Prof Vishwamurti Shastri, who conducted the Maha Yagya.
The Shrine Board, under the directions and guidance of Hon’ble Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT), introduced several initiatives to make the Navratra more memorable. Key additions included smart lockers, free public call booths and complimentary slots for divyang devotees to participate in Garbjoon and Atka Arti at Adhkuwari and Bhawan. Dedicated quotas for helicopter bookings and complimentary battery car services were also provided for divyang pilgrims. Additionally, resting and holding areas were set up at Banganga and Adhkuwari and the dining area at Indraprastha Bhojanalaya was expanded. The Langar facility was extended to Shubhra Bhawan at Banganga, with all Shrine Langars offering fast-related food options for visiting devotees observing fasts during the Navratra.
The Shrine Board made elaborate arrangements to enhance the pilgrimage experience including decorative flowers at Bhawan, Atka and surrounding areas. Round-the-clock water and power supply, sanitation, and sanitization measures were ensured along the tracks and in the Bhawan area. The Bhawan area and other sectors along the track were illuminated with attractive façade lighting and facilities like accommodation, battery-operated vehicles, passenger ropeway and helicopter services operated smoothly. Additionally, pilgrims benefited from free food at various locations, including Tarakote Marg, Prasad Kendra at Sanjichhat, Langar Sewa at Bhairon, Adhkuwari, Banganga and Railway Station, Katra, ensuring a seamless and spiritual experience for devotees.
Other highlights during these Navratra were captivating performances by renowned artists including Maithili Thakur, Raj Pareek, Shelly Taluja, Sachet/Parampara, Hansraj Raghuvanshi, Tripti Shakya, Jeet Ganguli, Brijesh Shandilya, Hargun Kaur, Bhoomi Trivedi, Suraj Singh/Juhi Singh, Pratibha Singh Baghel and Neetu Chanchal. The students of SMVD Gurukul also showcased their musical talents, blending tradition with youthful energy and enriching the spiritual experience.
