Early Times Report
KATRA, Oct 15: The base camp of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, located near Jammu, is beautifully adorned with colorful buntings, gates, and floral decorations in preparation for the upcoming Shardiya Navratri festival, which begins on October 15, 2023. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) deserves special commendation for the splendid construction of the "NAV DURGA PATH" skywalk and the remodeled Parvati Bhawan projects. These projects were recently inaugurated by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on her maiden visit to the holy cave at Vaishno Devi.
The festival of Navratri is not only a time of celebration but also an occasion to reflect on the importance of empowering women. The ongoing struggle for women's emancipation and the fight against atrocities, including in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, continues to be of utmost significance. Factors such as poverty, illiteracy, sexual harassment, and deteriorating moral values contribute to the challenges faced by women. Issues like female feticide and gender inequality remain areas of concern in today's society.
The Navratri Festival in Katra plays a crucial role in promoting the ideals of Shakti Durga, emphasizing the reverence, honor, and dignity of women. Jammu and Kashmir, perhaps uniquely among several Union Territories and states in the country, holds daughters in high regard, to the extent that parents do not allow their daughters to touch their feet as a mark of respect, similar to other youngsters. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, with her supreme energy and power, shows the right path to all, without any ill will or enmity toward anyone.
A pilgrimage to the holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is considered one of the most exhilarating and sacred journeys of our time. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi resides in a holy cave nestled at the foothills of Trikuta Parvat. "NAVRATRA" means "Nine Nights," and these nine sacred nights are a time to seek balance in life. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is regarded as an incarnation of three supreme energies - Maha Kali (Supreme Energy of Dissolution), Maha Lakshmi (Supreme Energy of Maintenance), and Maha Saraswati (Supreme Energy of Creation). These three qualities are central to human life, and achieving a balance among them is essential.
The history of Vaishno Devi is as mysterious as it is ancient. Geological investigations suggest that the pilgrimage to the holy cave has been ongoing for approximately one million years. The Vedic history of Vaishno Devi indicates the presence of the Divine Feminine in the mountain Trikuta. The shrine has a rich history with numerous traditions and facts that attest to its holiness. It is a symbol of secularism, where people from all walks of life, regardless of caste, color, or creed, seek blessings for their well-being.
Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta, and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Hindu Mother Goddess Mahalakshmi. The words "Maa" and "Mata" are commonly used in India to show reverence to mothers. "Power" is referenced in Vedas and Puranas in various forms, but the entire universe is governed by this extraordinary Power - Shakti. Whether it's Durga, Parvati, Vaishnavi, Laxmi, or any other form of Power, this all-pervasive energy, Goddess Shakti Durga, resides in the Trikuta Hills. She is the life-giving energy that protects and cares for the well-being of all beings and the world.
The nine-day Navratra festival in Katra has gained global recognition, attracting not only pilgrims but also a substantial number of tourists who pay their respects to the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi during Sharad Navratra. The festival culminates on Mahanavmi, on October 23, 2023.
The festival will feature cultural programs, folk dances, magic shows, staging of Maa Sherawali musical plays, Mushairas, a National Devotional song competition, rural sports, and more. Various government and non-government agencies, including the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and NGOs, have planned special events to showcase religious traditions and regional culture to millions of pilgrims during this period. In celebration of this auspicious festival, the Central Bureau of Communication, Jammu, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is organizing a multimedia exhibition and cultural programs at Government Higher Secondary School, Katra. |
