The Jammu administration has enacted a sweeping ban on the sale, possession, and consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products in Katra, the town that is home to the sacred Vaishno Devi temple. This initiative is aimed at preserving the sanctity and cleanliness of the religious site, which draws thousands of pilgrims each month.
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The ban, implemented under Section 144, covers the storage, sale, and consumption of all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes and gutka, from the Numai and Panthal check posts to the Bhawan via the Tara Court area. This prohibition extends the existing ban on the sale and consumption of meat and alcohol in Katra and its surrounding areas. The initiative is designed to keep the Katra base camp, pilgrimage route, and the entire region tobacco-free.
The administration is set to conduct rigorous checks to ensure compliance and will take strict action against violators. Local shopkeepers and vendors have been informed of the new regulations and are expected to comply with immediate effect.
Katra experiences a daily influx of 30,000 to 40,000 pilgrims, with numbers surging to millions during the Navratri festival. In light of this massive footfall, the administration’s decision to ban tobacco products is seen as a necessary step to cater to the health and sentiments of the visiting devotees. Previously, the sale of meat and alcohol had been banned to respect the religious sentiments of the pilgrims.
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Katra is a small town in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, best known as the base camp for pilgrims visiting the revered Vaishno Devi temple. Nestled in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, Katra serves as the starting point for the trek to the holy shrine, which attracts millions of devotees each year. The town is equipped with a range of facilities, including hotels, guesthouses, and eateries, to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Besides its religious significance, Katra is known for its scenic beauty, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
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Best time to visit: The shrine is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the cooler months from March to October. Avoid the monsoon season and peak winter months if possible.
Registration: Pilgrims must register for the yatra. This can be done online through the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s official website or at registration counters in Katra.
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