A view of Navratra Festival celebrations at Katra.

Katra (Jammu), October 13 - As a part of on-going Navratra Festival being organized by Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVD) and Department of Tourism in collaboration with District Administration and local organizations at Katra, a scintillating cultural procession depicting rich culture of the state and other parts of the country was taken out from Asia Crossing where the Minister for Medical Education, Technical Education and Youth Services & Sports, Mr. R. S. Chib who was the Chief Guest on the 5th Day of Navratra, lit the sacred Joyti before the start of colourful procession.
Among others, District Development Commissioner, Reasi, SSP, Assistant Commissioner, Revenue (Nodal Officer Navratra Festival),Addl. SP, Katra, Assistant Director, Youth Services & Sports, Members of Navratra Festival Committee and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.

Speaking at the venues of All India Devotional Song Competition at Yog Ashram and Cultural Programme at Government Higher Secondary School, Katra by Song and Drama Division, Government of India, the Minister the complemented the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Tourism Department and Distrcit Administration, Reasi for making adequate arrangements for the smooth conduct of Navratra Festival and pilgrimage. He also appreciated the role of locals in extending full support to the on going festival.

A view of Artists with Chief Guest during Navratra Festival - 2010.

Emphasizing that the competition not only provides an opportunity to adjudge the one self of their skills but also grants recognition, Mr. Chib said that the Devotional Song Competition is a bright avenue for the singers to get recognized as musical voices.

The Minister said although music in every form gives ecstasy and bliss but the devotional music is of a hierarchical order as it blends music with spirituality for the internal peace of and individual. He called upon those having blessed with musical voice to enhance their abilities in devotional singing adding that such competition would pave way for new openings for them.

The Minister appreciated the artists of Song and Drama Division for their splendid performances in the on going festival in a highly professional manner. He said such events are imperative for showcasing our rich cultural diversity on a common platform which further help in boosting brotherhood and communal Harmony for the overall peace and prosperity of the state and nation. He gave cash prize to Rs.10,000 to tender age artists of Chandanpur, Puri, Orissa for their outstanding presentation of devotional love song on Radha Krishna.

Meanwhile, Kumari Ranjana from Delhi bagged first prize, Sunali Dogra from Jammu adjudged second and thirds prize went jointly in favour of Dvisha Bharti from Kathua and Malkeet from Gurdaspur during the All India Devotional Song Competition.

	Read more information on Navratra Festival at Katra, Jammu.
	View Photo Gallery of events during Navratra Festival.