Navratra festival in Katra commences from Sept 23

Jammu, Sep 21 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir government has joined hands with Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board for 'Navratra' celebrations in Katra to project the nine-day-long festival as an event of tourists' interest, a senior official said here today.

''The state Tourism Department in collaboration with Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board is celebrating 11th Navratra festival from September 23 to October 1 in the holy Katra town,'' Tourism Secretary Naeem Akhtar told reporters.

To add colour to this religious festival, he said, several cultural programmes and competitions will be organised during the Navratra, including 'Jagran' by noted singers from outside the state.

''Government is planning to promote this festival like Puri Rath Yatra and Rajasthan Mela,'' Mr Akhtar said.

Apart from this, he said, the Hotels of Katra have announced 40 per cent discount on room tarrif during this period.

Besides, a handicraft/handloom exhibition displaying various products of the state will be organised.

Commencing with a Shobha Yatra-cum-cultural procession on Saturday, the festival will be a rich bonanza of cultural events, the Tourism Secretary added.

UNI VJ SI RAI1830