In Jammu & Kashmir, Nine-day ‘Navratr- festival began with full religious fervor and gaiety. In Trikuta hills of Shivalik range, the world famous Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi has been thronged by a large number of devotees from across the country and the State. Expecting large number of pilgrims Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and the State administration has made special arrangements in the vicinity of the shrine for their convenience.<br/>On the first day of the festivity, over 15 thousand pilgrims have paid obeisance up to now ,while, thousands of others are seen in long queues up outside the holy cave. In the morning the Jammu and Kashmir Governor Sh. N.N. Vohra also paid obeisance in the Holy Cave, and prayed for the peace and prosperity of the State and the country. On his way back the Governor also reviewed the arrangements made for the pilgrimage. The Holy Cave shrine has been decorated with special flowers brought from Norway and Russia and seven -day,’ Chat Chandi Mahayagya’ has started at the shrine . Security has been beefed up, beside local police, the troops of CRPF and Army have been positioned frequently at the 13 km long track as well as around the Holy-Bhawan. Meanwhile huge rush of devotees is also seen at other Bhagwati shrines across the region, including,Wabe Wali Mata in Jammu, Sukrala Mata in Kautha and Chichi Mata in Samba.