The Jammu administration has prohibited the sale, possession, and consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products in Katra. This town is famous for housing the sacred Vaishno Devi temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims each month. The ban aims to preserve the site's sanctity and cleanliness.
Scope of the Ban
The ban, enforced under Section 144, covers all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes and gutka, from the Numai and Panthal check posts to the Bhawan via the Tara Court area. This new rule extends the existing ban on the sale and consumption of meat and alcohol in Katra and its surroundings. The goal is to keep the Katra base camp and pilgrimage route tobacco-free.
Strict Enforcement
The administration will conduct rigorous checks to ensure compliance and will take strict action against violators. Local shopkeepers and vendors have been informed about the new regulations and are expected to comply immediately.
Pilgrim Influx
Katra sees a daily influx of 30,000 to 40,000 pilgrims, with numbers reaching millions during the Navratri festival. Given this large number of visitors, the ban on tobacco products is seen as necessary to protect the health and respect the sentiments of the devotees. The earlier ban on meat and alcohol sales was also aimed at respecting religious sentiments.
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About Katra
Katra is a small town in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, serving as the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi temple. Located in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, Katra is the starting point for the trek to the holy shrine, which draws millions of devotees each year. The town offers a variety of facilities, including hotels, guesthouses, and eateries, to accommodate visitors.
Scenic Beauty and Significance
Besides its religious importance, Katra is known for its scenic beauty, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Best Time to Visit: The shrine is open all year, but the best time to visit is from March to October. It’s advisable to avoid the monsoon season and peak winter months.
- Registration: Pilgrims must register for the yatra, which can be done online through the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board's official website or at registration counters in Katra.
