 Early Times Report
KATRA, Sept 29: The nine-day Navratri festival today began at the holy town Katra with Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office, Dr Jitendra Singh and Advisor to Governor, K.K Sharma inaugurating the annual event. The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Sanjeev Verma and Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Indu Kanwal Chib besides other senior officers.
Speaking at the occasion, the MoS congratulated the tourists as well as the local community on the auspicious occasion of first Navratra. He prayed to the Goddess for progress and prosperity of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
Advisor Sharma appreciated the role of Tourism Department, district administration Reasi, Regional Outreach Bureau and all other agencies for putting up the festival successfully. Advisor informed that the State Government has passed a proposal of Rs. 98 crore for Rejuvenation plan for Ban Ganga stream and its DPR has been forwarded to the Union Government. 'To prevent flow of waste and sewage into Ban Ganga, 3 major sewage treatment plants and 1 small STP Rs 98 cr Ban Ganga rejuvenation plan submitted to GoI
K.K Sharma announced that soon a separate CEO for Katra Municipal Committee would be appointed. He divulged that more funds would be released for holistic development of the town.
The Advisor said that the state administration is dedicated towards facilitating the tourists with quality services at Katra base camp.
Various activities have been planned as part of the festivities, including presentation of ''Mata Rani ki Kahani'' and ''Ram Leela'', ''Prabhat Pheris'', devotional song competition, cultural programmes and wrestling competition, the officials said. An international wrestling competition is organised every year in the town by the Jammu and Kashmir Indian Style Wrestling Association.
Mahakali Temple, popularly known as Bawe Wali Mata Temple, in Jammu also witnessed a heavy rush of pilgrims on the first day of Navratra. Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta also offered prayers at the temple.
"Navratra is a very important festival for Hindus... I prayed for return of peace and prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir post scrapping of the state''s special status," he said. | 