KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVSB) has made elaborate arrangements for facilitation of a larger number of pilgrims who are likely to visit the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi during Navratras, which commenced on Saturday. These arrangements include ensuring proper water and power supply along the track leading to the Shrine, sanitation and availability of special ‘fast related’ food at the Bhojanalayas of the Shrine Board.
In this context, A.K Sahu, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, reviewed the to-date status of these arrangements with Dr. Piyush Singla and Dr. M. K Kumar, Additional CEOs, Dy. CEOs, other officers, concerned engineers and unit heads of the Shrine Board, keeping in view the large flow of pilgrims expected during the Navratras. He also took stock of the arrangements put in place from Katra to Bhawan to facilitate the pilgrims.
Giving details of various arrangements made for Navratras, the CEO informed that like in the past, the Bhawan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Atka and the area surrounding it have been tastefully decorated with flowers brought from various parts of the country and abroad. All the routes leading to the Holy Cave Shrine have been fully maintained for smooth movement of pilgrims, besides ensuring sufficient supplies of provisions, food, water etc. along the track.
The CEO stated that the Shrine Board has also launched a special sanitation drive on the track and in the Bhawan area for ensuring utmost sanitation and cleanliness. He added that this cleanliness drive is in addition to the normal sanitation activities of the Shrine Board which include maintaining sanitation along the entire track and various establishments of the Shrine Board.
Meanwhile, Shat Chandi Maha Yagya organised by the Shrine Board at the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji commenced today on the auspicious occasion of beginning of Navratras amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras and performance of other religious ceremonies. The Maha Yagya which is performed at the Holy Cave Shrine during Navratras for peace and prosperity will conclude with Purna Ahuti on Mahanavami. Senior officers of the Shrine Board and a large number of pilgrims were present on the occasion.