Jammu, Oct 5 : With final touches being given to beautification of Katra, the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi, the annual nine-day long Navratra festival is set to commence from October 8.
The Navratra festival this year will start in Katra town from October 8 as it coincides with the commencement of Navratras, Additional Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Mandeep K Bhandari said. He said that final touches are being given for the preparation and beautification of the town.
"Entire Bhavan complex, roads and other buildings would be illuminated during the Navratras", he said.
Several functions have been scheduled to mark the occasion in the Katra town which will showcase cultural processions, folk dance, folk music, traditional tableaux, fancy dress competitions, band display, Hasya vyang goshty, heritage walk, environmental awareness programmes, wrestling championship, adventure sports.
During first nine months of this year, over 65.87 lakh pilgrims have visited the cave shrine of Vaishno Devi. During the same period last year, 64.32 lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance at the cave shrine. Over 84 lakh pilgrims had visited the cave shrine during last year. PTI
