Sumana Mukherjee
Thousands of devotees from across the country thronged the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu as the nine-day Chaitra Navratri began on Tuesday.
The shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is located on top of the serene hills and has a magnificent view for the devotees. During Navratri they are lavishly decorated with vibrant flowers.
View of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji's bhawan and atka decorated with flowers on the occasion of the start of Chaitra Navratra ceremony. pic.twitter.com/pGq0nzOSZX
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Over the years, the tradition of decorating the temple with vibrant flowers has emerged as the most interesting part of the Navratri festival here.
The shrine is specially decorated for Navratri with intricate colorful lighting and flower arrangements, along with traditional ornaments and embellishments
'Shat Chandi Maha Yagya', a special havan organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), was performed at the holy cave.
A council spokesperson said that the sacred rituals at the shrine, spanning Navratri, are being performed to promote harmony, abundance and well-being for all.
The Board has made some special arrangements like round-the-clock water and power supply along the paths leading to the shrine, health and medical facilities and availability of special 'fasting meals' in the 'bhojanalayas' of the Board,
For the ease and comfort of pilgrims, facilities like accommodation, battery operated vehicles, ropeway services and helicopter services have been provided and are functioning smoothly.
Other special features of Navratri celebration at Vaishno Devi shrine include 'bhajan' and 'atka aarti' by famous artistes
