Around 77000 pilgrims have visited holy town Katra and paid obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji Shrine till this afternoon – the third day of the Navratra festival.As per Yatra registration counter (YRC) Katra, on the 3rd day of the festival, today till 2 pm, about 14000 more pilgrims have performed darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji taking the total number of pilgrims to 76,963.Earlier, during the first two days 62,963 pilgrims that include 37,848 on Tuesday and 25118 on Wednesday visited and paid obeisance at the cave shrine.The Navtratra festival, being held every year, started on October 13- the first day of the Navratras.
District administration Reasi in collaboration with Tourism department and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) have made all the necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of Navratra festival 2015.Extra facilities like drinking water, medicare, security etc have been made available by the Administration to cater to the rush of Yatris/pilgrims witnessed during the Navratra days.The local People of the area, various Navratra festival committees, associations etc are also extending full cooperation to make the festival a grand success. The temples, Main bazaar and hotels are decked up with flowers and decoration lights to give the occasion a festive look.
Meanwhile the volunteers of different religious and social organizations including Maa Vaishno Devi Charitable trust are extending their service at the free Langer, setup for the organizers and participants of Navratra Festival at Panchvati Katra .The main attractions of the festival are All India Devotional song competition, cultural programmes, Shobha Yatra cum Cultural Procession, religious discourses on Ramayana, Bhagwad Gita, plays on Baba Jitto, wrestling competition, talent show for blinds, fancy dress competitions by students, exhibition of departmental stalls.