Navratra Festival 2019 begins at Katra,  Dr Jitendra Singh, Advisor KK Sharma attendinaugural ceremony

The nine-day Navratri festival today began at the holy townKatra with Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North EasternRegion and Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office, Dr Jitendra Singh andAdvisor to Governor, K.K Sharma inaugurating the annual event.

The inaugural ceremony was also attended by DivisionalCommissioner Jammu, Sanjeev Verma and Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Indu KanwalChib besides other senior officers.

The inaugural ceremony was marked with traditional Puja anda colourful cultural bonanza comprising dances presented by the artists fromall over the country. Artists of Regional Outreach Bureau of India mesmerizedthe public with cultural dances of Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Jharkhand etc. Folkdances of Jammu region like Kud, Geetru and a Bhaderwahi dance was also presentedby the local artists.

Speaking at the occasion, the MoS congratulated the touristsas well as the local community on the auspicious occasion of first Navratra. Heprayed to the Goddess for progress and prosperity of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

Advisor Sharma appreciated the role of Tourism Department,district administration Reasi, Regional Outreach Bureau and all other agenciesfor putting up the festival successfully.

Advisor informed that the State Government has passed aproposal of Rs. 98 crore for Rejuvenation plan for Ban Ganga stream and its DPRhas been forwarded to the Union Government. ‘To prevent flow of waste andsewage into Ban Ganga, 3 major sewage treatment plants and 1 small STP is comingup around Katra soon’, he added.

K.K Sharma announced that soon a separate CEO for Katra     Municipal Committee would be appointed. Hedivulged that more funds would be released for holistic development of thetown.

The Advisor said that the state administration is dedicatedtowards facilitating the tourists with quality services at Katra base camp.

Among others Director Tourism Jammu, Deepika Sharma, JointDirector Tourism Jammu, Showkat Mehmood, SDM Katra, Ashok Kumar, AssistantDirector Tourism, Umesh Sham and President Katra Municipal Committee, ShashiGupta were also present on the occasion.