Jammu, Oct 3 (Reporter) In its endeavour to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) on Thursday launched a free Langar Sewa at Adhkuwari Complex after commencement of Shatchandi Yagya at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in connection with the beginning of nine-day Shardiya Navratras in Katra town of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir. Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, inaugurated the Langar Sewa facility at Adhkuwari Complex, as per the directions of Manoj Sinha, Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT) in the presence of Vipan Bhagat, Assistant CEO, SMVDSB, other officers and employees of the Board, besides a large number of pilgrims. The Shrine Board spokesman said that following a sacred -pooja', the Langar facility commenced operations marking the fourth such initiative by the Board. Furthering its mission to serve devotees, this addition joins existing Langar Sewa facilities at Tarakote Marg, Sanjichhat and Bhairon, which have garnered widespread appreciation from devotees for providing nourishing meals as Prasad aiming to provide complimentary meals to a vast number of pilgrims during their pilgrimage to the revered Shrine. Located on the terrace of Sheetla Bhawan at Adhkuwari Complex, the Langar facility can cater around 150 pilgrims simultaneously while offering a clean and welcoming space, he said adding that the Langar kitchen is well-equipped with modern kitchenware, utensils and other gadgets to provide the most hygienic and wholesome food to the pilgrims. Earlier, marking the beginning of Shardiya Navratras, the Chief Executive Officer attended the inaugural ceremony of the nine-day long Shatchandi Yagya at the Holy Shrine amidst the vedic hymns, religious chants and performance of other religious ceremonies being organized for peace, prosperity and well-being of humanity which will conclude with Purna Ahuti on Mahanavami. The Shrine Board has beautifully transformed the Bhawan, Atka and surrounding areas into a radiant spiritual oasis for warmly welcoming pilgrims visiting to pay obeisance at the sacred Shrine. The grand decorations feature an exquisite blend of indigenous and foreign fruits, flowers, majestic reception doors and elegantly designed track besides, the Bhawan area has been illuminated with stunning colourful façade lights, creating a mesmerizing ambiance for devotees. He said that the Shrine Board has also made elaborate arrangements for facilitating a large number of pilgrims who are expected to pay their obeisance at the Sanctum Sanctorum during Navratras. These arrangements include round the clock water and power supply all along the tracks leading to the Shrine, sanitation, medicare and availability of special “fast related” food at the Board’s Bhojanalayas. Besides, all the routes leading to the Holy Cave Shrine are fully maintained for smooth movement of pilgrims, the spokesman said and added that in addition, as per policy in vogue, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has been facilitating Divyang pilgrims with free pony, battery car services and darshan assistance and 24/7 Call Centre (18001807212) has also been made available to facilitate the pilgrims as an additional support. "As part of the Navratras celebrations, Shrine Board has also lined up captivating Bhajan and Bhaint performances by acclaimed artists during morning and evening Atka arti," the spokesman said adding that these spiritual events will further enrich the pilgrims' experience, fostering an atmosphere of devotion and spirituality Noteworthy that recently in anticipation of the Navratras and the surge of devotees visiting the Vaishno Devi Shrine, the Shrine Board has also initiated eight new registration counters at the Katra railway station to facilitate pilgrims. "The move aims to streamline the registration process and enhance security measures during the festive season," he added. The CEO personally overseeing yatra regulation, monitoring arrangements and interacting with pilgrims for ensuring every aspect of the pilgrimage meets the highest standards of comfort and convenience...////...