Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Oct 1: The sacred nine-day-long Shat Chandi Maha Yagya, organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) during the auspicious Shardiya Navratras, concluded with spiritual fervor and devotion on the occasion of Mahanavami.
The Purnahuti ceremony was performed amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras for universal peace and prosperity. Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; officers and staff of the Shrine Board besides a large number of pilgrims participated in the concluding rituals.
The Maha Yagya was conducted by a group of learned Pandits led by Padma Shri Prof Vishwamurti Shastri, adding sanctity and depth to the spiritual proceedings.
The Navratras witnessed an overwhelming influx of devotees from across the country and abroad. The Shrine Board, in collaboration with District Administration Reasi, also organized Sewa Parv, a dedicated initiative towards pilgrims and devotees. The Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt Governor, JK-UT) also graced the occasion with his esteemed presence and actively participated in the activities of Sewa Parv, further inspiring and reinforcing the Board’s dedication to fostering inclusive and meaningful engagement during the sacred festivities.
To enrich the pilgrim experience, the Shrine Board also introduced initiatives including establishment of dedicated help desks at key locations to assist pilgrims on the track. Besides, elaborate arrangements were made by the Shrine Board to ensure the comfort and convenience of pilgrims. These included decorative floral installations at Bhawan and special “fast-related” meals.
The Bhawan area and other sectors on the track were illuminated with attractive façade lighting, while facilities such as accommodation, battery-operated vehicles, passenger ropeway and helicopter services operated smoothly.
A major highlight of the celebrations was the series of melodious Bhajan and Bhaint performances by renowned artists at Bhawan and Adhkuwari including Lakhwinder Wadali, Kumar Vishwas, Kavita Paudwal, Ankit Batra, Akhil Sachdeva, Varsha Jamwal, Palak Muchhal, Roshan Prince, Narinder Sachdeva, Reshmi Sharma, Chaman Lehri, Mahakali Group, Akriti Kakkar, Master Aryan, Master Koko and Malini Awasthi. The students of SMVD Gurukul also captivated audiences with their devotional renditions, blending tradition with youthful vibrancy and elevating the spiritual ambiance.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
