Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 12: In a bid to boost the pilgrimage tourism, the hoteliers of Katra town, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, have offered big discount for the pilgrims during 10-day long Navratra Festival.
The festival will be inaugurated tomorrow morning at Katra with fanfare.
Cultural shows, folk dances, jhanki, promotional events will mark opening of the Navratra festival.
"All arrangements have been put in place and Katra is geared up to welcome pilgrims from across the country with open arms and hearts," Rakesh Wazir, President, Hotels and Restaurants Association, Katra here told. Wazir said an attempt has been made this year to give a boost to the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, which has witnessed a decline in the past two years.
"This year's arrangements will surely bring boom in the pilgrimage," claimed Wazir. He added that 30 per cent discount has been offered by all the hoteliers in the town during the festival. "Besides discount, special Navratra food will also be served by the hoteliers to the pilgrims observing fast," he asserted.
Meanwhile, a senior official of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said likewise every year, this time also special arrangements have been made to celebrate the festival religiously and enthusiastically.
"Flowers from countries like England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand have also been imported to decorate the holy Bhawan entrance of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi," he added.
Tight security arrangements are also made with CCTVs keeping watch on every activity in the town during the festival for smooth and incident free celebrations. |
