Speaker of J&K Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta took part in the Shobha Yatra organized on the occasion of Navrata Festival at Katra, the base camp of the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.Gupta who was the chief guest on the occasion lighted the sacred Jyoti at Asia Chowk here this evening.The Navratra festival is being organized by Tourism Department, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and district administration, Reasi in collaboration with local organizations.As a part of the Navratra festival, an attractive Shobha Yatra depicting the rich cultural heritage of the state amidst spiritual ambience was taken out from the Asia Crossing which after passing through bus stand, main bazaar, chintamani mandir culminated at yogashram.
The procession comprised of a large number of pilgrims from across the country and school children, cultural troupes and tableau.Extending greetings to the people in general and pilgrims in particular on holy Navratras, Mr Gupta said that the holy occasion provides an opportunity to the visiting yatris from various corners of the country and abroad to have a glimpse of our rich cultural heritage and peaceful co-existence of people of different faiths. He appealed people to preserve the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the state. He lauded the efforts of Tourism department, SMVDSB, district administration Reasi and Cultural association for organizing Navratra festival.
The Speaker reiterated the government’s resolve to provide best of the facilities to the devotees paying obeisance at the holy cave shrine. He sought cooperation of the public in making the traditional event a great success.MLA Reasi Ajay Nanda, senior officers of police and civil administration, members of Navratra Celebration Committee, prominent citizens and large number of devotees were present on the occasion.