JAMMU, INDIA, September 21, 2003: The management of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has decided to open the old cave of the shrine for the devotees during the Navratra festival starting from September 26, 2003. Disclosing this to the media, the Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Jugal Kishore Sharma, said that pilgrims who wish to visit the old cave will be allowed to enter in groups, whereas those who want to visit the large cave will proceed as usual. He said it was the wish of a large number of people to have darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi through the old cave, and the Shrine Board has made plans this year for 10,000 pilgrims at the old cave. He said special, elaborate security, transport and accommodation arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the festival.
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