JAMMU: Ahead of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, the J&K Dharmarth Trust organised a grand and impressive Shobha Yatra, commencing from the iconic Shri Raghunath Ji Temple in the heart of Jammu city.
The Shobha Yatra was organised in collaboration with the Sanatan Dharm Sabha and Dharmik Yuvak Mandal. The procession featured beautifully decorated tableaux (Jhankis) depicting various significant episodes and important moments from the life of Lord Krishna, drawing large crowds of devotees and citizens along the route.
The Shobha Yatra commenced after the Murti Poojan at Shri Raghunath Ji Temple, which was attended by MLA Shri Yudhvir Sethi, former Minister Smt. Priya Sethi, former Minister Shri Ajay Sadhotra, President of Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha Shri Parshotam Kumar Dadeechi, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu, Shri Arun Gupta, President of J&K Dharmarth Trust Dr. P.S. Pathania and Secretary of the Trust Shri Ashok Kumar Sharma (IPS Retd.).
Thereafter, Rath Poojan and Dhwajarohan ceremonies were performed before the Shobha Yatra set off from the temple premises.
The procession passed through several prominent markets and thoroughfares of Jammu, including Veer Marg, Shahidi Chowk, Rajinder Bazar, Kanak Mandi, City Chowk, Old Hospital Road, Purani Mandi, Link Road, Jain Bazar, Chowk Chabutra, Pacca Danga, Moti Bazar, Geeta Bhawan, Ranbireshwar Temple, Shalamar Road, City Chowk and Raghunath Bazar, before finally culminating at Shri Raghunath Ji Temple.
Thousands of devotees, along with prominent citizens, political leaders and representatives of various social and religious organisations, participated in the Shobha Yatra with great enthusiasm and devotion. Members of the Muslim community also accorded a warm and cordial welcome to the Yatra at various places en route, reflecting the spirit of communal harmony, mutual respect and brotherhood that characterises Jammu's rich cultural ethos.
Speaking on the occasion, President of the Dharmarth Trust, Dr. P.S. Pathania, extended his greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. He prayed that the sacred festival would usher in peace, progress and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Pathania said that festivals form an integral part of India's glorious cultural and spiritual heritage and play an important role in strengthening communal harmony, brotherhood and social cohesion. Such celebrations, he added, help reinforce the spirit of mutual respect and further enrich the secular and inclusive ethos of society. He prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Secretary of the Dharmarth Trust, Shri Ashok Kumar Sharma, said that the Dharmarth Trust, under the patronage of its Chairman Trustee Dr. Karan Singh Ji and the Trustees, remains committed to preserving and promoting Jammu and Kashmir's rich religious, cultural and spiritual heritage. He said that festivals such as Shri Krishna Janmashtami provide an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate their shared cultural traditions and strengthen the bonds of unity and brotherhood.
The Secretary appreciated the collective efforts of the Sanatan Dharm Sabha, Dharmik Yuvak Mandal, volunteers, devotees, civil administration and police authorities for ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the Shobha Yatra.
Elaborate security and traffic arrangements were put in place by the District Administration and Jammu Police across the city to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the religious procession. Senior police officers remained present at various locations along the route and supervised the security arrangements to ensure that the event remained orderly, safe and incident-free.
