Folk Performances, Cultural Procession & All India Devotional contest on Day 3 of Navratra Festival Celebrations

Katra, Jammu (J&K), October 8, 2013 - Scintillating cultural performances presented by the artists of Song and Drama Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (GOI) are attracting large local crowd including thousands of pilgrims from within and outside the State during the ongoing Navratra festival- 2013 at Government Higher Secondary School, Katra.

The artists of the department attired in their traditional costumes spell bound the audience with their heart throbbing performances, last evening. The presentations of folk dances of different regions of the country which received huge applause from across the audience included Harran, Maharaja folk dance of Manipuri, Dogri folk dance “ Geetru” Himachali, Punjabi folk dances and songs.

Earlier, a cultural procession depicting rich culture of the state and other parts of the country was taken out from Asia Crossing, where the District Development Commissioner Reasi, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudary who was the chief guest on the 3rd Navratra, lit the sacred Joyti before the start of impressive procession.

The impressive Shoba Yatra-cum-Cultural Procession was taken out from the Asia Crossing which after passing through the main bazaars and other locations of the Katra town culminated at GHSS, Katra. Various Jhankies like traditional Kud by Khem Raj & Party, Itarsi Band, Bakerwals, Panchayats, and various scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata mesmerized the large number of devotees and huge crowd present on the occasion.

Another event of Navratra Festival, “Hassaya Vyang Contest” was also started in the premises of Durga Bhawan Katra last evening. As a part of Navratra festival, the contest is being organized by Hassaya Vyang organization Katra in collaboration with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra, J&K State Tourism Department and District Administration Reasi.

The All India Devotional Song Competition being organized as part of ongoing Navratra Festival at Katra by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, J&K Tourism Department and District Administration in collaboration with different agencies is gaining momentum with every passing day of holy Navratras in the premises of Yog Ashram, Katra.

On the third day of Navratra, Nikhal Majotra from Miran Sahab Jammu clinched 1st Position, Rajesh Gaind from Jammu stood 2nd and 3rd prize was won by Gunjan Dixit from Mathura Utter Pardesh. Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudary who was chief guest on the occasion, distributed cash award of Rs. 5000/-, Rs. 3000/- and Rs. 2000/- along with gifts from Zee News among Ist 2nd and third winner respectively.

Similarly, the winners of the second day of the contest Mr. Subhjinderjeet from Amritsar, Mr. Chaman Lehri from Reasi and Mr. Amit Sharma from Pathankot (Jointly) and Ms. Anuradha Sharma from Jammu were also given cash prizes along with gift hampers.

“Music has no religion, cast or creed, it speaks only one language of love and happiness and bring us together irrespective of boundaries”, the DDC said and added that by the dint of sincere efforts Devotional Song Competition is being recognized all over the country and abroad.

The proceedings of Competition were conducted by Chairman of the said Competition Mr. Rakesh Wazir in a most effective manner.

Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Mr. Rajinder Singh Tara, Joint Director Tourism, Mr. Shiv Kumar Gupta, Deputy Director Tourism, Mr Subash, Project Officer, DRDA Reasi, Dr. Jagdish Mehra, General Manager Industries, Mr. Krishan Lal, District Information Officer, Mrs. Parvinder Kour besides President Hotel & Restaurant Association Katra Shyam Lal Kesar, officers of different departments, Members of the festival committee, large number of yatris and local people were present on the occasion.