JAMMU, Sept 21: With the onset of the auspicious nine-day Navratras from Sunday, temples and shrines across Jammu and Kashmir have been adorned with fresh flowers, colourful lighting and elaborate decorations as devotees prepare for days of special prayers, Hawans and devotional music.
Authorities have deployed additional police personnel at prominent shrines to ensure smooth management of pilgrim rush during the festive period.
The pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji in Katra has also resumed through the Tarakot track after a 22-day suspension due to landslides and heavy rains. Pilgrims, chanting “Jai Mata Di”, expressed joy over the fair weather and resumed their uphill journey to pay obeisance.
At the historic Bawe Wali Mata temple on the banks of river Tawi, serpentine queues of devotees have already begun forming before dawn. Head priest Vivek Magotra said that imported and indigenous flowers like orchids, lilies, and carnations are being used for decoration. “Temple timings during Navratras will be 4 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 10 pm, with a break for Bhog in the afternoon,” he added.
Similar festive fervour was reported from the Kol Kandoli temple in Nagrota, where chief priest Jai Kumar Sharma said devotional songs by artists from Delhi and Mumbai will be featured this Navratra. Flowers and decorative material have been sourced from Ghaziabad.
At the Sarthal Devi temple in Kishtwar, no special events have been planned, but priests confirmed that Hawans and rituals will be performed as per tradition, with families visiting for Mundan ceremonies.
Meanwhile, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has announced special arrangements for devotees, including water tankers, mobile toilets, repaired street lights, and enhanced sanitation around major shrines. Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav said used flowers from temples will be collected to prepare compost, which will later be returned to the shrines for use in nearby gardens.
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