45,000 devotees pay obeisance at Vaishno Devi on first Navratra

Our Correspondent

Katra, October 1

About 45,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine on the first day of Navratras.

The rush is expected to continue till Navmi, said Ajit Kumar Sahu, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra.

“The shrine board has opened all the three gates to meet the heavy rush of devotees,” he said, adding that every day 40,000 to 50,000 pilgrims are reaching Katra to offer prayers at the shrine.” The board has made special arrangements for the pilgrims.

“Shat Chandi Mahayagya”, organised by the board at the shrine, commenced today on first Navratras amid chanting of Vedic mantras.

The mahayagya, which is performed at the holy cave shrine during Navratras for peace and prosperity of the humanity as a whole, will conclude with “purna ahuti” on Mahanavami.

The Bhawan of Mata Vaishno Devi, Atka and the area surrounding it have been decorated with flowers. The shrine board has made elaborate arrangements for pilgrims who are expected to pay obeisance at the shrine during Navratras.

The CEO interacted with the pilgrims and enquired about the arrangements made by the board to facilitate them. He expressed satisfaction at the arrangements put in place for thepilgrims.