Grand Shobha Yatra taken out in Ghagwal with religious fervour

Samba, Aug 10: A vibrant shobha yatra was Sunday organised ahead of Janamashtami festival at Ghagwal by the Shri Narsingh Temple Management Committee in close collaboration with the District Administration Samba, local volunteers and prominent citizens.According to a statement issued here, the procession began at the Shri Narsingh Temple complex in the morning, weaving through the picturesque villages of Raguchak, Malani and Lala Chak. Following a serene pause at the Rajpura Ram Temple, it continued its journey back to the starting point via Sanura, Randhwal, Jatwal and Tapyal. Throughout the route, warm-hearted local residents set up stalls offering refreshments and prasad, fostering a sense of community and hospitality among the participants. The Yatra was ceremoniously flagged off by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ghagwal K.S. Bali, alongside key dignitaries including Tehsildar Ghagwal Shakeel Ahmed, Block Development Officer Ghagwal Joginder Lal, District Development Council Suresh Kumar Falli, Block Development Council Chairman Vijay Tagotra, Rashpal Verma and members of the Shri Narsingh Temple Committee and a throng of enthusiastic locals. At the heart of the procession was the exquisitely adorned idol of Lord Shri Krishna, bedecked in colourful floral garlands and radiant finery, symbolising divine grace. Thousands of devotees comprising men, women and children from all walks of life joined in with unbridled zeal, their voices rising in harmonious bhajans and kirtans that echoed through the air, creating an aura of spiritual bliss and communal harmony. This annual tradition, spearheaded by the Shri Narsingh Temple Management Committee in collaboration with local population, volunteers and supported by the district administration, features the Shobha Yatra, an all-night Jagran and a bustling fair to commemorate Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Building on the festivities, a spectacular Janmashtami fair is scheduled for August 16 in the temple premises, anticipated to draw lakhs of devotees for prayers, cultural performances and celebrations.