The nine-day Navratri festival today began at the holy town Katra with Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office, Dr Jitendra Singh and Advisor to Governor, K.K Sharma inaugurating the annual event.The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Sanjeev Verma and Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Indu Kanwal Chib besides other senior officers.The inaugural ceremony was marked with traditional Puja and a colourful cultural bonanza comprising dances presented by the artists from all over the country. Artists of Regional Outreach Bureau of India mesmerized the public with cultural dances of Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Jharkhand etc. Folk dances of Jammu region like Kud, Geetru and a Bhaderwahi dance was also presented by the local artists.Speaking at the occasion, the MoS congratulated the tourists as well as the local community on the auspicious occasion of first Navratra. He prayed to the Goddess for progress and prosperity of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.Advisor Sharma appreciated the role of Tourism Department, district administration Reasi, Regional Outreach Bureau and all other agencies for putting up the festival successfully.Advisor informed that the State Government has passed a proposal of Rs. 98 crore for Rejuvenation plan for Ban Ganga stream and its DPR has been forwarded to the Union Government. ‘To prevent flow of waste and sewage into Ban Ganga, 3 major sewage treatment plants and 1 small STP is coming up around Katra soon’, he added.K.K Sharma announced that soon a separate CEO for Katra Municipal Committee would be appointed. He divulged that more funds would be released for holistic development of the town.The Advisor said that the state administration is dedicated towards facilitating the tourists with quality services at Katra base camp.Among others Director Tourism Jammu, Deepika Sharma, Joint Director Tourism Jammu, Showkat Mehmood, SDM Katra, Ashok Kumar, Assistant Director Tourism, Umesh Sham and President Katra Municipal Committee, Shashi Gupta were also present on the occasion.