SMVDSB organises skill enhancement programme for local priests

Katra, Mar 5: A nine-day free skill enhancement training programme on Vedic rituals for local Pujaris (priests), organised by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), concluded on Thursday at SMVD Gurukul amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras.

The programme commenced on February 25, 2026, as per the directions of the chairman, SMVDSB – the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, with the objective of enhancing the skills of Pujaris in the proper conduct of religious rituals and ceremonies, besides preserving traditional practices (Karam Kand) and cultural values, a spokesperson of SMVDSB said.

A total of 13 (thirteen) Pujaris/Archaks participated in the training programme.

The participants hailed from various areas including Sarsu (Udhampur), Painthal (Katra), Suketar, Hansali (Katra), Dhansal (Katra), Channi (Mansar), Talwara (Reasi) and Purana Darood, among others.

The programme, according to the spokesperson, was designed to strengthen the participants’ understanding of various Vedic rituals, mantras and traditional practices essential for performing religious ceremonies. It also aimed at imparting a systematic and professional approach towards the performance of Pujan Vidhi.

“The training curriculum covered a range of subjects including introduction to Panchang, knowledge of Muhurat (auspicious timings), pronunciation of Mantras and Shlokas among other important aspects of Vedic ritual practices,” the spokesperson stated.

To achieve the objectives of the programme, experienced and qualified faculty members and scholars of Vedic studies from the Shrine Board’s Pujari wing and SMVD Gurukul conducted the training sessions.

“The participants described the programme as highly informative and enriching, providing them with deeper insights into Vedic scriptures as well as practical knowledge applicable in their day-to-day religious duties,” the spokesperson said.

Interactive question-and-answer sessions held during the programme encouraged active participation and highlighted the need for organising such training programmes on a regular basis to further strengthen the knowledge and capabilities of Pujaris.

The Administrator, SMVD Gurukul who attended the valedictory session, stated that the training programme was organised to give a much-needed impetus to temple-related activities and to further strengthen the traditional knowledge and skills of local Pujaris.

He congratulated the participants for successfully completing the programme and appreciated the resource personnel for their valuable contribution in imparting the training. Certificates were also distributed to the participants during the concluding ceremony.