Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 2: Over 27,000 pilgrims thronged the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi while thousands of pilgrims visited different temples across Jammu region on the first day of Navratra today to pay their obeisance to Goddess Durga. There was huge rush of devotees in various temples including holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, Mata Bawe Wali temple at Bahu Fort, Jammu, Cheechi Mata temple Samba, Sukrala Mata shrine, Billawar, Jasrota Fort Kathua and other shrines and temples.
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As per report, over 25,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine today after visiting via old track while 1166 visited by chopper and 1267 by new route on the first day of Navratra today.
The first Navratra is also being observed as Navreh (New Year) by Kashmiri Pandits and in this connection various functions were also organised by KP organisations in different places in Jammu and Kashmir in which the historic background and religious significance of the day was highlighted.
Over 11,000 devotees have performed darshan at Bawe Wali Mata Temple Bahu Fort up to 6pm today and large number of devotees were still waiting in long queues. As per reports, 10,000 devotees throng Jasrota Kali Mata Temple, 5000 paid obeisance at Sukrala Mata temple Billawar, 4000 at Nagri Parole Bala Sundri temple, 3000 at Sundrikot Billawar temple, 2500 at AshaPurni Mandir and 4000 at Kali Mata Mandir Jasrota Fort in Kathua district. Besides thousands of devotees visited holy temple of Chechi Mata at Samba also.
On the occasion of first Navratra the devotees also sowed Saakh in various temples all over the Jammu region which will be immersed in rivers on the culmination of the nine day long festival after performing pooja.
Meanwhile, Navreh function was organised with traditional gaiety by Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Ambphalla today which marks the beginning of Hindu calendar year 2079 Bikrami Samvat and Sapatrishi Samvat 5098. Advisor to Lt Governor, R R Bhatnagar was the chief guest on the occasion and Ashok Koul, general secretary, BJP (Org) of J&K and Ladakh UTs was the guest of honour.
A scintillating musical programme was also held and Deepali Watal a well known singer enthralled the audience with Bhajans performance. The report of the activities of the Sabha was read by its general secretary, S L Bhagati. The president of the Sabha, K K Khosa read the welcome address and highlighted the role of 108 year old K P Sabha during past many decades especially after the forced exodus of the community in 1989-90.
He, while complimenting the Narendra Modi Government and UT Government led by LG Manoj Sinha for looking after the community while in exile, stressed that steps be taken immediately to ensure the return and rehabilitation of community to Valley with dignity , honour and full sense of security by framing a robust return and rehabilitation policy in consultation with community leadership.
He said miniscule community is facing an existential threat to its culture and identity which can only be addressed by its resettlement in the land of its forefathers. He also demanded reservation of three Assembly seats and one Parliament seat for the community. He highlighted other demands including those of package employees and stressed on enhancement of relief to Rs 25,000.
On the occasion, Sandhaya Dhar was also honoured who was recently given Nari Puraskar by the President of India.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Kaul BJP general secretary asked community to make a firm resolve to celebrate the next Navreh in Kashmir . He also urged the community to vote in their respective constituencies in Valley and ensure success of BJP candidates in the coming elections.
Advisor to LG B R Bhatnagar said that UT Government and GoI are quite aware of the community problems and Government will fulfill their all aspirations in near future. He said that the problem of separate posting of migrant couples serving in Valley be looked into and efforts will be made to adjust them at one station.
The function was attended by Mayor Chander Mohan Gupta, VC JU, Manoj Kumar Dhar, Prof R L Shant, Kashmiri Lal Bhat, Shiban Khybri, Upinder K Handoo, Ravinder Koul, SL Koul, A K Raina, Kamal Koul, Ganesh Koul, Sushil Aima and others. The vote of thanks was proposed by G J Kampasi secretary of the Sabha. The stage was conducted by Dr Sujata Sathoo.
Three day Navreh function are being organised under the banner of Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra (SSK), here at Lakar Mandi, Old Janipur, High Court road, Ram Vihar etc. In this connection a traditional dress competition, of children was held at Kheer Bhawani temple, Bhawani Nagar . Rakesh Koul, vice president of the Trust R K Wangnoo president ASKPC, Kuldeep Sapru, Music Director and Som Nath Ji a social activist blessed the children.
Kumari Ashviv Koul of sixth standard and Kumari Annaya Sharma of 3rd both from KC Public School stood first and second respectively while Lakshya Bakshi of Second standard of Crescent Public School stood third.
All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) celebrated Nawreh today at ASKPC Bhawan Lane No 2 Sector 1, Durga Nagar here with religious fervour and gaiety. On the occasion, Pooja Archana was held in traditional way. R K Wangnoo president of ASKPC prayed for peace and well being of mankind. He also briefed the gathering about achievements of the organisation during last one year.
Reports coming from Srinagar said that after decades the festival of Navratra was celebrated at Mata Chakreshwari Shree Sharika Bhagwati Hari Parbat Deviangan Srinagar today. The week -long Pooja started with traditional style. Shri Shri Chakreshwar Sanstha led by Ranjeet Gurkha its president made the arrangements for the function.
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