JAMMU, Sep 1: A grand Shri Krishna Janmashtami Shobha Yatra will be taken out in Jammu city on September 3 (Thursday) to mark the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Preparations for the religious and cultural event were discussed at a joint press conference organised by Shri Sanatan Dharma Sabha, Dharmarth Trust, Dharmik Yuva Mandal and representatives of various social and religious organisations.
The press conference was attended by Parshotam Dadhichi, President, Shri Sanatan Dharma Sabha J&K; Ashok Sharma, Secretary, Dharmarth Trust and retired SSP; Prabhat Singh Jamwal, Working President, Shri Sanatan Dharma Sabha; Anil Magotra, Treasurer, besides Dalip Gupta, Keshav Chopra and other office-bearers and members.
Dadhichi said the traditional Shobha Yatra would commence after special prayers and religious rituals at Geeta Bhawan, following which the procession would proceed from the historic Shri Raghunath Ji Temple complex. The grand chariot of Lord Shri Krishna would lead the procession, followed by beautifully decorated and message-oriented tableaux prepared by various social, religious and community organisations. The tableaux will pass through different parts of Jammu city as part of the grand celebration.
He informed that a three-member judging panel has been constituted to encourage participating organisations and ensure an impartial evaluation of the tableaux. The panel comprises retired District and Sessions Judge Shakti Gupta, retired Doordarshan Director Dr. Naseeb Singh Manhas, and senior artist and film director Sushil Kumar Bhola.
Dadhichi said a special felicitation ceremony would be organised within 10 to 15 days of the main event, during which the tableaux securing the first, second and third positions would be honoured. All participating organisations would also be felicitated for their contribution to the celebration.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Sharma said Janmashtami was not merely a religious festival but also an occasion to celebrate India’s rich culture, traditions and social unity. He appealed to people from all sections of society to rise above political affiliations and personal differences and participate in the Shobha Yatra in large numbers.
Sharma particularly urged parents to bring their children to the event and make them active participants in the celebrations. He said such involvement would help the younger generation understand the teachings of Lord Shri Krishna, Indian culture and the country’s rich traditions, while strengthening their connection with traditional values.
The organisers also appealed to the local administration to make adequate arrangements along the route, particularly regarding cleanliness, traffic management, road repairs and the safety of electrical wires, to ensure a smooth and safe procession.
Shri Sanatan Dharma Sabha and associated organisations appealed to trade bodies, workers, supporters of all political parties, community organisations, social and religious institutions and the general public to participate in the grand Shobha Yatra with their families.
The organisers said the celebration would provide an opportunity for people to collectively express devotion to Lord Shri Krishna while conveying a message of religious harmony, social unity and Jammu’s rich cultural heritage.