JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has demanded the declaration of government holidays on Ashtami and Navami (Maha Navami) during Sharad Navratri. In this regard, the party has submitted separate memoranda to the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a religious gathering in Mishriwala, Jammu, Shiv Sena (UBT) J&K president Manish Sahni said that Navratri is one of the most significant religious festivals of the Hindu community. On Ashtami and Navami, thousands of devotees offer prayers to the Goddess, observe fasts, perform Kanya Pujan and participate in other religious rituals. Declaring government holidays on these auspicious days would enable devotees to observe their religious traditions without hindrance, he said.
Sahni pointed out that while a government holiday is declared on Dussehra (Vijayadashami), no holiday was announced on Ashtami and Navami this year, despite Navami having been observed as a holiday in previous years. He stressed that the major festivals of the Hindu community deserve equal respect and consideration, just as important festivals of other communities are accommodated through government holidays.
Sahni appealed to the administration to reconsider its decision and declare holidays on both Ashtami and Navami. He added that if it was not feasible to grant holidays across Jammu and Kashmir, the government should, at the very least, declare holidays on these two days in the Jammu Division.
On the occasion, Sahni also felicitated saint and social activist Baba Chanchal with the ‘Jammu Yoddha Samman’ in recognition of his social contributions and public welfare initiatives. Baba Chanchal also supported the demand for government holidays on the major days of Navratri.
