“Navratra festival is an expression of our vibrant culture and heritage and collaborative efforts should be made to showcase our rich heritage resplendently.”This was stated by the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Dr. Pawan Kotwal during a preliminary meet held to discuss the arrangements for the Navratra Festival 2016 to be organized at Katra.The meeting was attended by IGP Jammu Mr Danish Rana, CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Mr A K Sahu, Director Tourism Ms Sushma Chauhan, DDC Reasi Mr Ravinder Kumar, senior officers from police and civil administration and other members of Navratra Festival organizing committees.It was decided in the meeting that the Festival will be held from October 2nd -10th however the celebrations of Navratras shall start by taking out a kalash yatra in the holy town on Ist October .
While stressing on better synergy between the concerned departments and various committees constituted Divisional Commissioner said that elaborate arrangements should be made well in time for the festival.He directed PDD to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the festival and instructed the PHE Department to ensure supply of potable drinking water to the pilgrims during the event. Katra Municipal Committee was directed to maintain proper sanitation and ensure proper face lifting and repair of roads. Div Com directed the concerned to ensure that a beautiful festive ambiance is given to the town by illumination and decorations.
He also directed for installation of street lights and signage’s highlighting the places of public importance.Dr Kotwal maintained that interactions should be held between the concerned departments and management committees well in time to discuss the issues for successful conduct of the festival adding that the line departments should check out feasibility of creating durable assets that shall have utility even after the festival.It was given out in the meeting that the festivities shall include Kalash Yatra, Shobha Yatra, depicting the rich cultural heritage of the State and the country. To promote the budding artists, an All India Devotional Song Competition will be organized at Yog Ashram, Katra besides a cultural programme which will be organized by Song and Drama Division, Government of India at Government Higher Secondary School, Katra.During the festival, the devotees will get a chance to listen to religious discourses on Ramayan and Bhagwat Gita.Other major attractions of the nine day festival would be International Wrestling Competition to be organized by J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, Hasaya Vyang, Kavi Sammelan and cultural programmes showcasing the rich culture.