Jammu, March 5 – A skill enhancement program organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) for local priests concluded on Thursday at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul in Katra town, Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.
The nine-day free skill enhancement training program on Vedic rituals was organized for local priests at the SMVD Gurukul and concluded amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras.
The program commenced on February 25, 2026, under the direction of the Chairman of SMVDSB, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with the objective of enhancing the skills of priests in the proper conduct of religious rituals and ceremonies, as well as preserving traditional practices (Karam Kand) and cultural values.
A total of 13 priests and archaks participated in the training program. The participants came from various areas including Sarsu (Udhampur), Painthal (Katra), Suketar, Hansali (Katra), Dhansal (Katra), Channi (Mansar), Talwara (Reasi) and Purana Darood, among others.
The program was designed to strengthen participants' understanding of various Vedic rituals, mantras, and traditional practices essential for performing religious ceremonies.
It also aimed to impart a systematic and professional approach to the performance of Pujan Vidhi (prayer rituals).
The training curriculum covered a range of subjects including an introduction to Panchang (a Hindu calendar), knowledge of Muhurat (auspicious timings), and correct pronunciation of mantras and shlokas, among other aspects of Vedic ritual practices.
Experienced and qualified faculty members and scholars of Vedic studies from the Shrine Board's Pujari Wing and the SMVD Gurukul conducted the training sessions.
Participants described the program as informative and enriching, saying it provided deeper insights into Vedic scriptures as well as practical knowledge applicable in their day-to-day religious duties.
Interactive question-and-answer sessions held during the program encouraged active participation and highlighted the need to organize such training programs regularly to further strengthen the knowledge and capabilities of priests.
The Administrator of SMVD Gurukul, who attended the concluding session, said the training program was organized to give impetus to temple-related activities and further strengthen the traditional knowledge and skills of local priests.
He congratulated the participants for successfully completing the program and appreciated the resource persons for their contribution in imparting the training.
Certificates were also distributed to the participants during the concluding ceremony.
