The annual Navratra festival today commenced at the base camp of cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra, amid tight security.
On the first Navratra, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Choudhary Lal Singh inaugurated the annual Navratra festival by participating in the magnificent Shobha Yatra.
Katra town, the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, is witnessing a huge rush of pilgrims from across the country and abroad during the ongoing Navratras.
The annual nine-day Navratra Festival at holy town Katra would started today offering a series of events for the visitors till its culmination on October 21.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that such festivals symbolize unity in diversity besides highlighting composite culture of the state.
These events also provide a common platform to the people irrespective of caste, colour and creed to interact with each other and share their culture and traditions which further helps in strengthening bonds of brotherhood and communal harmony, he said.
Extending greetings to the people in general and pilgrims in particular on Navratras, Singh said that the festival provides an opportunity to the visiting yatris to have a glimpse of our rich cultural heritage and peaceful co-existence of people of different faiths.
The Minister said that efforts are being made by the present coalition government to create additional infrastructural facilities at Katra to meet the increasing rush of pilgrims effectively.
Lauding the role of various local associations connected with the Navratra festival, Singh said that such mega event could not get successful without the active participation of the locals.
The Minister informed the holy event is organized jointly by Department of Tourism, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and district administration, Katra Municipality and the local hospitality industry.
