‘Mata Ki Parikrama’ to explore tourism potential of areas in Trikuta Hills vicinity

Jugal Kishore Sharma and others addressing a press conference at Jammu on Thursday.
Jugal Kishore Sharma and others addressing a press conference at Jammu on Thursday.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 29: With an objective to explore tourism and commercial potential of the areas in vicinity of Trikuta Hills-the abode of Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, several organizations have joined hands and announced to take out `Mata Ki Parikrama’ on October 1.
The Parikrama is being organized with collaborative efforts of Association of Religious Tour Operators, Travel Agents Association of Katra, Mata Vaishno Devi Trikuta Parikrama Yatra Committee, Cloud Camps and Treks (OPC) Pvt Ltd under the guidance and support of former Minister of Tourism, Jugal Kishore Sharma.
“This holy trek is of a great significance for the Hindu community in terms of their faith and belief. The Mata Vaishno Devi Trikuta Hills are believed to be the abode of 33 crore Hindu deities and this make these hills to be of a great spiritual importance with regards to the completion of sacred yatra of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine,” said Jugal Kishore, while addressing a press conference here today, along with organizers of the Parikrama.
While elaborating, he informed that the Parikrama will commence on 1st Oct, 2022 at 6:30 a. m. from Katra bus stand and pass through Gran Morh Reasi, Kothri, Sukhal Gati, Sukhal Gali and Jangal Gall.
“The total route of the trek will be 114 kms, out of which 14 kms will be traveled by foot and the remaining 100 km via car while under another mode, total journey of 175 kms shall be covered via car only,” said Jugal Kishore.
This yatra has been fully supported by the Tourism Department of J&K and idea in this regard was evolved in 2019 but unfortunately Covid pandemic spoiled the plans.
Jugal Kishore said that purpose of organising this holy trek is to make everyone aware of the religious importance of Mata ki Parikrama and highlight the tourism potential of the area in vicinity of Trikuta Hills. He appealed people to join and support the cause by actively participating in this holy trek of Mata Vaishno Devi Trikuta hills.
Ajay Kumar Gupta (President, ARTO), Ashwani Kumar Sharma (President, TAAOK), Raj Kumar Dubey (General secretary, TAAOK), Vishal Sajgotra (Director Cloud Camps and Treks OPC Pvt Ltd), Sardari Lal Dubey (Ex-Member, Shiv Khori Shrine Board) were present in the press conference .