Security beefed up at Vaishno Devi

Katra (J-K), Mar 16 (ANI): Security has been beefed up at the famous Vaishno Devi Temple near Jammu due to nine-day 'Navratri' festival, which began with religious fervour today.

Shiv Kumar Sharma, Superintendent of Police, Katra, said keeping Navratri festival in mind we have alerted our forces.

"We have a very good liaison with the Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and all the teams are out. The traffic coming from Jammu will be checked at Mori and the traffic coming from Uddhampur is being checked at Kaithal and Sarli," said Sharma.

All pilgrims are frisked properly with metal detectors.

"We had come to seek blessings in the temple on the occasion of first day of Navratri and we are very happy with the security arrangements in the city," said Sahil, a pilgrim from Delhi.

Navratri', which literally means nine nights, is observed twice a year.he festival lasts for nine days in honour of nine manifestations of Durga, goddess of power.

It is believed that during the Navratri, Goddess Durga descends on earth to rid it of the demons and blesses her devotees with happiness and prosperity. (ANI)