Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 24: The Minister of Haj Auqaf and Horticulture Abdul Rehman Veeri visited holy shrine of Martand at Mattan in South Kashmir district of Anantnag to take the stock of the arrangements for Jeshtashtami festival.
During his visit the Minister held a meeting with the members of the Working Committee of Shri Martand Tirath Trust led by A K Sidha. The arrangements for yatra were discussed and the Minister assured all support and help from the Government in smooth conduct of the yatra.
Mr Sidha informed the Minister that thousands of yatris are expected to visit the holy shine of the occasion of Jeshtashtami falling on May 26. The Trust is organizing a Maha Yagya on the occasion which will start tomorrow and culminate on June 26. The Trust has made all arrangements for boarding and lodging of the pilgrims, he added.
Sidha also informed the Minister that this year Mal-Mass/ Ban Mass will also start from June 16 and it will culminate on July 16. This auspicious period comes after 32 months and special rituals are performed at the shrine by Hindu devotees all over the country and abroad. He demanded that Government should provide all help in making this month long festival successful.
The Trust demanded that attention be paid for cleanliness of shrine. It said Dev Nadi Chakreshwari and Sangam require immediate attention. It also demanded immediate cleanliness of Chaka Nadi and proper security arrangements for pilgrims.
The Minister was informed that the Trust is arranging free langer for pilgrims from June to September every year and it expressed hope that the proper water supply, power supply and transport facilities be provided at the shrine. It urged the Minister to issue instructions to Tourism Department to provide tents and bedding to the Trust for the yatris.
The meeting was attended by A K Tickoo, B B Sadhu, Moti Lal Tickoo, Bansi Lal Mukhi, Hira Lal Sidha, Omkar Nath Khar and Rameshwar Nath Bhan.
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