JAMMU: Jammu Divisional Commissioner Shantmanu today said the eight-day long Katra Navratra Festival will be begin from October 5 and will conclude on October 12.
“The festival will be organised jointly by the Department of Tourism, Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board, Katra, District Administration and local hospitality industry,” Mr Shantmanu, who is also the chairman of Navratra Festival Organizing Committee told reporters here this evening.
He said the festival will be inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand at Katra.
The Divisional Commissioner said cultural procession, Shoba Yatra of troupes, tableaux showcasing culture and tradition of the State, All India devotional song competition, cultural programmes, religious discourses, International wrestling competition, hassaya vyand Event and kavi samelan will be highlights of the festival.
On security, the Divisional Commissioner said tight security arrangements have been made across the region especially in Katra in view of prevailing situation of the state.
“Necessary security arrangements have been put in place to ensure safety and security of the pilgrims,” he added.
“CRPF and the state police have been entrusted with the overall responsibility of the security of yatra en route from Jammu and the track as well,” he added.
Meanwhile president Jammu and Kashmir Indian Style Wrestling Association Shiv Kumar Sharma said due to ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, wrestlers from Pakistan will not be taking part in the wrestling competition.
“The event of wrestling will be held on October 11 during the Katra festival but no wrestler from Pakistan will be taking part this year,” he said.
Mr Sharma stated, since 2005 the Pakistan team has participated in all the events but this year there will be no participation from across the border. “To make the event more interesting wrestlers from England, Belarus, and Ukraine have been invited to participate in the wrestling competition,” he added.
