Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 3 : Directorate of Tourism, Jammu in collaboration with State Taxes Department, organized a 01 day trek from Katal Batal, Nagrota to Aithem via Pehad Devta. Over 80 participants undertook the hiking activity.
The trekking expedition was flagged off by the Commissioner, State Taxes Department, Dr. Rashmi Singh in presence of the Director Tourism, Jammu,. Vivekanand Rai , Additional Commissioner, State Taxes Department, Tax Planning, Policy and Advance ruling J&K, Ankita Kar, Additional Commissioner, State Taxes Department, Namrita Dogra and all the Deputy Commissioners of State Taxes Department, J&K.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest said that the activity has been planned as a recreational activity to promote fitness of body, alertness of mind and dutifulness of soul and it has been planned to highlight the broad message that youth must befriend the nature as a cousellor to overcome anxiety,stress etc.
She requested the participants to be the brand ambassadors of the revered trekking trail and promote the Adventurous activity among youth. With the start of the New Year, this activity shall help the participants to reestablish a connection between Mind, body and spirit, said Director Tourism, Jammu.
The trekkers covered the trek route through fields, thick vegetation and after crossing a number of brooks to reach the shrine. Later, some of the participants visited Aithem view point. Aithem which is already known for paragliding activities is also listed among 75 Off Beat tourist destinations of Jammu region. Although, the route from Pehad Devta to Aithem is challenging, it offers breath taking views of the Shivalik uplands. Some of the participants undertook the Shikara ride who preferred going back to Katal Batal.
In the local folk lore and methodology ,Baba Pehad Nag brought waters of Tawi from Kali Kundi Glacier in Kaplash Mountains of Bhaderwah to Jammu with the help of Kaliveer devta and blessings of Kalika Mata. The place where Shrine is situated is known as Pehad village. The shrine is atop a big rock on the base of which is the River Tawi. Beneath the temple is a large and deep water body known as ‘Dawar ‘abounding with Fish which is revered as Devta.
The trekking expedition which was coordinated by Joint Director Tourism Jammu, Sunaina Sharma Mehta , alongwith Deputy Director Publicity, Abdul Jabbar, was appreciated by all the Senior Officers/ Officials of State Taxes Department.
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