Katra, Oct 18: In a unique blend of faith, mythology and environmental awareness, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Jammu and Kashmir, has collaborated with Natrang, Jammu, to promote water conservation through the sacred episode of Baan Ganga in its acclaimed dance-theatre production Mata Ki Kahani at the Navratra Festival-2026 in Katra.

Organised by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, the festival provided a platform to highlight the importance of protecting water resources through the powerful medium of theatre.
The production reinterprets the legend of Baan Ganga, associated with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. According to tradition, when Hanuman Ji felt thirsty while accompanying the Divine Mother towards the Trikuta hills, Mata Vaishno Devi struck the earth with Her divine arrow, bringing forth a stream of water known as Baan Ganga.
Through this episode, the production raises a pertinent question: if Baan Ganga once flowed abundantly, what has happened to its water today?
The theatrical presentation draws attention to the growing challenges of water scarcity, pollution and the unsustainable use of natural resources. It underscores the need to protect springs and streams, conserve catchment areas, promote rainwater harvesting, prevent pollution and eliminate water wastage.
The collaboration highlights that developing water-supply infrastructure alone cannot ensure long-term water security. Sustainable access also requires the protection of natural water sources, community participation and responsible use of every drop.
The initiative complements the objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 by emphasising community ownership of drinking-water systems, reliable supplies and conservation for future generations. It also demonstrates how cultural institutions can strengthen public awareness by connecting environmental responsibility with deeply rooted spiritual traditions.
Conceptualised and directed by Balwant Thakur, Mata Ki Kahani features large-scale musical sequences, dynamic choreography and evocative theatrical imagery. The integration of the JJM message seeks to transform a revered mythological episode into a contemporary appeal for environmental responsibility.
Pawan Verma, Mahikshit Singh and Kananpreet Kaur enacted the Jal Jeevan Mission episode.
Neeraj Kant contributed to the direction, while Gaurav Angural, Bhavishya Aggarwal and Rahul Gupta worked on the sets. Rahul Singh, Pawan Verma, Mohd. Yaseen and Mahikshit Singh handled costumes and properties. Sunny Mujoo led the choreography, while Shivam Singh was responsible for lighting.
The initiative reinforces a simple message: respecting water as a divine blessing must go hand in hand with protecting and conserving it. Through the Baan Ganga episode, the production encourages audiences to view water conservation not merely as a government responsibility but as a collective duty towards society and future generations.