Navratri is round the corner and it calls for dancing and merriment for days together. The Jammu and Kashmir government is leaving no stone unturned to woo tourists with the Navratri celebrations. It has planned a series of cultural, religious and folk events in Katra, near the Vaishno Devi shrine, during the nine-day festival.

 Beginning on September 21, the festival will feature a grand 'Shobha' yatra on the first day, followed by various cultural programmes like Ram Leela, folk festivals, 'prabhat pheri' among others. It will also host an international wrestling competition.

Government officials informed that this year, the department of tourism is considering to start a special package of 'Sampoorna Manokamna' yatra. In keeping with the traditional practice related to Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, this yatra will facilitate visits to nine deities. It will definitely help to boost tourist footfall.

State tourism minister Priya Sethi stated that the festival will give an opportunity to showcase the rich culture, heritage and local traditions of the region. It will not only woo domestic tourists but will attract foreign tourists as well

The minister also asked the tourism department to enhance the skills of the tourism-service providers through progressive orientation so that it will enable them to improve tourism- related services.