Katra, Oct 11 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Sunday inaugurated the Navratra Festival 2026 at Yog Ashram Ground in Katra, marking the beginning of nine days of religious and cultural celebrations scheduled from October 11 to 19.

The festival is being organised by the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in collaboration with the Divisional Administration Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to promote the region's cultural heritage and religious tourism.

The inaugural ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Secretary, followed by cultural performances, including presentations by winners of last year's Navratra Festival competition.

Addressing the gathering, Dulloo extended Navratra greetings and highlighted Jammu and Kashmir's spiritual traditions, cultural heritage and potential for religious tourism.

He said tourism played an important role in economic development, employment generation and the livelihoods of local communities.

The Chief Secretary stressed the need to improve infrastructure, sanitation, traffic management and facilities for pilgrims visiting Katra and other religious destinations.

He also called for greater participation of local youth, women's Self-Help Groups, artisans and entrepreneurs in tourism-related economic activities.

Dulloo urged stakeholders to work collectively to preserve the sanctity and natural beauty of pilgrimage destinations while ensuring better services for visitors.

Congratulating the Tourism Department on organising the festival, he reiterated the government's commitment to improving amenities for devotees and residents of Katra.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Reasi MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency MLA Baldev Raj Sharma also addressed the gathering and extended Navratra greetings.

They highlighted the festival's role in preserving cultural traditions and promoting tourism in the region.

Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek spoke about the cultural and spiritual significance of Navratra and its association with women's empowerment and social harmony.

He said the district administration was committed to ensuring effective coordination among departments and providing a safe and comfortable experience to pilgrims and tourists.

According to officials, the nine-day festival will feature Shobha Yatra, Prabhat Pheris, the All India Devotional Song Competition, cultural programmes, Bhagwat Katha, wrestling competitions and a Kavi Sammelan.

The celebrations are expected to provide opportunities for local artists and cultural groups while supporting economic activities associated with pilgrimage tourism.

Officials said the festival would also benefit traders, hoteliers, transport operators, artisans and other stakeholders dependent on tourism in Katra.

Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta presented the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the participating dignitaries, organisers and artists.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu Vikas Kundal, Senior Superintendent of Police Reasi Mukund Tibrewal, Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta and other senior officials attended the inaugural ceremony. (KNS)