Jammu, Oct 15: A series of religious programmes would mark the nine-day long Navratra festival starting from October 16 in the holy town Katra.
“The festival will be organised jointly by Department of Tourism, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), the district administration, Katra municipality and the local hospitality industry in Katra,” said Pradeep Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Jammu.
Gupta, who is also chairman of the Navratra Festival organising Committee, said the festival will be inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand.
Highlighting the fast growing popularity of the festival, he said the yearly event was started for popularising the Holy Cave Shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi as a major pilgrim destination of the state.
The Divisional Commissioner said that 16 sub-committees have been constituted to make necessary arrangements in connection with the Navratra Festival 2012.
The main attractions of the festivals will be inauguration of the festival celebration at Katra on Oct 16 at noon in Asia Chowk by the Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand followed by a cultural procession up to Main Chowk, Katra.
