KATRA: To further enhance pilgrim facilities and enrich the spiritual experience, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) commenced free distribution of Prasad to all devotees paying obeisance at the Holy Shrine on Sunday, following Vedic rituals and Kanya Poojan, on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.
The initiative was formally launched by Manoj Sinha, Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT), during the 76th Meeting of the Shrine Board held earlier this month.
Consequent upon the launch of the initiative, the Shrine Board has introduced an improvised Pouch Prasad, specially designed for free distribution among pilgrims. The pouch contains dry fruits, a sacred Mouli (Kalava) and an engraved commemorative coin depicting the Holy Pindies, symbolizing the divine blessings of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. The pouch has been thoughtfully designed keeping in view hygiene, sanctity and ease of handling.
Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB stated that the free Prasad distribution has been commenced from the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri which holds immense religious significance. He informed that the distribution has been systematically organized to ensure smooth and convenient availability of Prasad to pilgrims after Darshan along the exit route of the holy Shrine.
He further emphasized that through this initiative, the Shrine Board aims to provide a sacred token of blessings to every devotee visiting the holy cave shrine. Reiterating the Board’s commitment to pilgrim welfare, CEO added that SMVDSB will continue to upgrade facilities and introduce pilgrim-friendly measures to make the yatra more comfortable, meaningful and spiritually enriching for the millions of devotees visiting the Shrine each year.
Noteworthy that the Shrine Board has been consistently undertaking several initiatives to provide essential services to devotees free of cost, with the objective of making the yatra comfortable, safe and spiritually fulfilling. These include provision of free accommodation, langars at various locations, cloakroom and blanket facilities, battery car services for the specially-abled pilgrims and medical services through well-equipped dispensaries along the yatra route.
In addition, facilities such as water ATMs, sanitation services, waiting halls and assistance booths have been established for the convenience of pilgrims. The recently introduced free Prasad distribution further reflects the Shrine Board’s continued commitment towards enhancing pilgrim welfare and ensuring that every devotee receives both physical comfort and a spiritually enriching experience during the pilgrimage.
Present on the occasion were the SDM, Bhawan; Pujaris; officers of the Shrine Board and a large number of pilgrims.
