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| Navratra festival begins from Oct 12 | | ‘Elaborate arrangements made, security tightened, new items added this year, Pandey arrangements | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Oct 10
The Government has made elaborate arrangements for organizing the Navratra Festival commencing from October 12. The festival being organized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is aimed to bring into focus the cultural and religious significance of the pilgrimage in order to boost tourism to the state.
Briefing newsmen about the festival, the Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey said that the festival will begin on October 12 and last till October 20 adding that that various organizations and government departments have roped in to make the festival successful and result oriented.
He said the festival will begin with a colourful shoba Yatra and cultural procession with active participation of artists from within and outside the state. All India devotional level songs competition will be held daily at Yogasham Ground Katra and the winner of the final would be awarded Rs. one lakh in form of gold coins of Goddess beside one year recording contract with Venus Tapes and Cassettes. He said cultural programme would also be organized in the school premises daily by Song and Drama Division Government of India while Jagrata by Narinder Chancel will be held from October 14 and Dogri Play ‘Ghumai’by Natrang on October 19.
Wrestling Competition will also be held in which wrestlers from Pakistan are also likely to participate and Logo Competition will be launched at National Level during festival period, he said and added that gateways will be erected and illuminated and special efforts will be made to give a festive look to the holy town of Katra.
He further revealed that additional security forces have been deployed in and around Katra town in order to thwart any evil designs of the militants to interrupt the Navratra festival. Security has been further tightened and strict vigil is maintained, he added.
Ajay Khajuria, Director Tourism briefing the media men on Navratra festival said that department of tourism has invited Travel Writers of national repute to witness festival which will encourage the inflow of tourists during the forthcoming years in the navratras, He further said that the information counter at Railway Station, Bus Stand, Airport and other places in Jammu, besides Katra has been setup to assist the pilgrims and will give necessary information regarding the Navratras festival.
Hotel Associations has made special discount up to 40% on food and other related things, he said and added that the new attraction in this festival will be fancy competition, Quiz competition, Symposium and an environmental awareness rally. Other new activities include Hassy Kavi Sammelan, Palki Race and best decorated pony competition was included this year, he said and expressed the hope that a record number of yatries would visit Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine during Navratras. S.K. Sharma Joint Director Information was also present on the occasion. |
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