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KATRA: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has organized a special Ganesh Poojan and Havan at Bhawan, commemorating the sacred Magh month. The special Poojan and Havan were performed to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha and Mata Vaishno Devi Ji for the peace, welfare and prosperity of humanity and seek forgiveness for any errors or omissions in the conduct of Poojan / Rituals.

The event was conducted by pujaris who meticulously followed age-old Vedic traditions including chanting sacred mantras, offerings to the holy conflagration and prayers for divine blessings and spiritual harmony. The event held at the holy Yagyashala near Atka area as per the guidance of Padma Shri Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri, aimed to uphold the sanctity and traditional essence of the rituals while ensuring their alignment with established religious practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer said that the Magh month is considered highly sacred and a special Poojan and Havan is being organized for the benefit of the devotees. He underscored that the Head Pujari has been instructed to regularly review and oversee the rituals for ensuring that they remain true to their spiritual and cultural roots. The natural cave shrine has been open to devotees since Makar Sankranti with approximately 4,000 to 5,000 pilgrims having darshan of the sanctum sanctorum from the old cave daily, said the CEO.

Notably, the Shrine Board has been consistently organizing various Hawans, Yagyas and other spiritual activities on significant occasions including the sacred Shat Chandi Maha Yagya twice a year during the auspicious Navratras. A large number of pilgrims are availing the facility of Havan and Nav Chandi Path at the new Yagyashala on a routine basis. Additionally, the daily Havan Poojan at Adhkuwari Temple also commenced on Makar Sankranti, offering devotees another opportunity for spiritual enrichment. For convenience, devotees can book Poojan services online through the official website of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).

The event witnessed participation from officers and staff of Shrine Board and a large number of devotees all of whom expressed their deep reverence for the initiative. Special arrangements were made to ensure a smooth and spiritually uplifting experience for all attendees and for continuing their unwavering faith in maintaining the sanctity and legacy of the Shrine.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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