In Jammu and Kashmir the Navrata Festival-2012 took to a colorful start with Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand inaugurating the mega event at Katra , the base camp of the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji , by lighting the sacred Jyoti. As part of the inaugural ceremony, a magnificent Shobha Yatra depicting the rich cultural heritage of the state amidst spiritual ambience was taken out in Katra. Extending greetings to the people and pilgrims in particular on holy Navratras, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Navratra festival provides an opportunity to the visiting yatris from various corners of the country and abroad to have a glimpse of our rich cultural heritage.