Colorful Procession Marks 2nd Day of Navratra Festival Celebrations

Katra, Jammu (J&K), October 7, 2013 - As a part of Navratra Festival a colorful procession comprising holy palanquin of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, attractive tableaux depicting varied shades of rich cultural heritage of the state and the folk troupes attired in their traditional dresses marked the beginning of the 2nd day of festival on last evening.

The procession after passing through main bazaars of the town culminated at Government Higher Secondary School, Katra. Enroute, local devotees and other parts of the country were seen showering petals on the procession and raising slogans in praise of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.

District Development Commissioner Reasi, Director Tourism, SP Katra, Deputy C.E.O Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra, Assistant Director Tourism, President Hotel & Restaurant Association, Katra, Cultural Association, Katra, President J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association and Members of the festival committee were prominent among those who accompanied the procession.

Adding Color to the ongoing Navratra Festival, Song & Drama Division (GOI) is putting its best efforts to showcase the rich Indian culture through a number of cultural performances by the folk artists in the premises of Government Higher Secondary School, Katra daily from 8.30 pm onwards. Likewise, religious discourses on Bhagawat Katha are being organized in the premises of Raghunath Mandir, Katra from 2pm to 6 pm daily.

Other main events of Katra Navratra Festival like Hasya Vyang Competition would be organized at Durga Bhawan from October 9 to October 11, 2013 from 8.30 pm onward daily.

‘Four Nation Wrestling Competition’ would be held at multipurpose sports stadium Katra on October 11, 2013 from 12 noon to 6 pm. Talent Show for blind children on October 12 at 11 am in the premises of Govt. Higher Secondary School, Katra would be another attraction of the Navratra festival.

In all 15 auditioned participants, including 6 from outside state were set to exhibit their talent on the 2nd day of the preliminary round of competition. The competition started with Ganesh Vandana but only seven contestants could perform on the day as the programme was to be stopped due to rains. The organizers decided that the remaining 8 singers will sing on the next day before the start of the 3rd day competition and same panel of judges will adjudge the remaining singers.

Meanwhile, the chief guest, while speaking on the occasion, extended greetings to the organizers of the Navratra Festival in general and members of All India Devotional Song Competition in particular. He said the bhaint competition, which is providing platform to the budding singers, has gained much popularity across the country.

He said that the event has become a main attraction for the tourists because it is being seen all over world through satellite channels. He also stressed the need for preserving the Dogra culture.