Nine-day long Navratri festival begins at Kathua amid religious gaiety, fervour

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.