The nine-day Navratri festival commenced on Thursday at the sacred cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, nestled in the Trikuta Hills. The festival began with deep religious fervour as thousands of pilgrims made their way to the holy site to seek blessings. By 5 PM on the first day of Navratri, a remarkable 33,000 devotees had already arrived in Katra, the base camp for the upward journey to the revered shrine.
New Free Langar Sewa Launched
In an effort to enhance the pilgrimage experience, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) launched a free langar sewa (community kitchen) on Thursday at the Ardhkuwari complex. This significant addition coincided with the commencement of the Shatchandi Yagya, a sacred fire ritual conducted at the shrine to mark the beginning of the Shardiya Navratri. The langar was inaugurated by the Shrine Board’s chief executive officer, Anshul Garg, under the direction of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
The free langar sewa is now the fourth such initiative by the Shrine Board, joining other community kitchens located at Tarakote Marg, Sanjichhat, and Bhairon Ji. These langars have garnered widespread appreciation from pilgrims, providing nourishing meals as prasad to thousands of devotees. The newly inaugurated langar at Ardhkuwari, located on the terrace of Sheetla Bhawan, can accommodate up to 150 pilgrims at a time, offering a clean, welcoming space for nourishment during their spiritual journey.
Shatchandi Yagya and Religious Ceremonies
The nine-day long Shatchandi Yagya, an essential part of the Navratri festivities, was inaugurated amidst the recitation of Vedic hymns and religious chants. The yagya is being telecast live on MH1 Shraddha from 12 noon to 1:30 PM daily, allowing devotees across the country to witness the sacred rituals from afar.
In addition to the yagya, the Shrine Board has meticulously planned several other religious ceremonies and activities to enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the pilgrimage during Navratri.
Extensive Arrangements for Pilgrims
With a large number of devotees expected to visit the sanctum sanctorum during Navratri, the SMVDSB has made extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience. Key facilities include round-the-clock water and electricity supply along the tracks leading to the shrine, enhanced sanitation measures, and medical services for the comfort and safety of pilgrims. Special “fast-related” food items are also being provided at the Board’s bhojanalay for those observing religious fasts during the festival.
Furthermore, a 24×7 call center (18001807212) has been set up to provide additional support to pilgrims, addressing their inquiries and ensuring they have all the necessary information for a seamless pilgrimage.
As the Navratri festival unfolds, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine becomes a beacon of devotion, drawing thousands of worshippers who come to offer their prayers, partake in the langar, and experience the divine atmosphere at this sacred site.