Devotion, religious fervour mark commencement of Chaitra Navratri

Jammu, Mar 19: Spiritual devotion and religious fervour marked the commencement of Chaitra Navratri across Jammu region on Thursday.

The day also marked the commencement of Hindu New Year.

Since morning, the devotees have been thronging tastefully decorated temples, dedicated to Goddess Durga, Goddess Kali and their other incarnations in different parts of Jammu region.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine nestled in Trikuta hills in Reasi district; Bawe Wali Mata temple in Jammu; Kol Kandoli temple in Nagrota, Chichi Mata temple in Samba district, Sukrala Devi temple in Kathua district were among the major shrines across the region which drew maximum crowd of devotees.

Huge rush of devotees was witnessed at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Earlier in the morning, the devotees gathered at base camp to commence their spiritual journey towards the holy cave shrine amid festive ambience.

The sacred Shat Chandi Mata Yagya also commenced at the revered shrine, heralding the auspicious beginning of Chaitra Navratra 2026.

“The divine vibrations of Vedic chants and rituals at the holy cave are invoking blessings of peace, prosperity and well being for all humanity,” the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) stated, while depicting the spiritual ambience all around.

“In view of the expected large influx of pilgrims, the Shrine Board has put in place comprehensive pilgrim-centric arrangements to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching Yatra experience,” the Board shared on social media, with a collage of pictures.

Layered security arrangements have been put in place to avoid any untoward incident during the festive ambience lasting nine-days. Special prayers, Jagrans, Langars mark the nine-day Navratri festival as the devotees also observe fast during this period.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also paid obeisance at Bawe Wali Mata temple facing Tawi river.

Speaking to media persons, Choudhary, on his behalf and on behalf of his party National Conference and its leadership, greeted people of J&K and across the globe on the auspicious occasion of commencement of Chaitra Navratri. “J&K is known for communal harmony and brotherhood. I prayed that it continued to prevail. I also prayed for peace and prosperity of J&K, the country and the entire world,” he said. Responding to a related query, the Deputy Chief Minister justified stringent security measures made at religious places and adjoining areas.

“This is necessary as our neighbouring nation always makes efforts to disturb peace in J&K. Moreover, the recent incident of attack on our party president has further necessitated stringent security measures to prevent any untoward incident,” he said.

“I also thanked the Mother Goddess for protecting all of us. I believe that She will always bless us,” Choudhary said.

Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta also paid obeisance at Daati Maa Dev Sthan at Arnia.

“I’ve come to pay obeisance at our Dev Sthan and thank the Goddess for her blessings which provided me an opportunity to serve people,” Gupta said. “I would ask the local authorities to improve infrastructure in the surrounding areas of Dev Sthan,” he stated, while responding to queries about the need for improvement in infrastructure there at Dev Sthan.