Navratra Festival 2013 Concludes

Katra, Jammu (J&K), October 13, 2013 - The nine day long Navratra Festival 2013 concluded today with Kanjak Poojan, immersion of Saakha in Ranbir Canal and Tawi River; and solemnization of hawans across the Jammu region.

There was heavy rush of devotees in city temples from early in the morning on the occasion of Mahanavmi. An impressive ‘Aarti Sandhaya’ was organized at the right bank of river Chenab, Jio-Pota Ghat at Akhnoor, to mark the celebrations of Navratra Festival 2013. The function was organized by the Sandhaya Aarti Committee in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism Jammu.

Minister for PHE, Sham Lal Sharma, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Jio-Pota Ghat at Akhnoor has great historical importance as Maharaja Ranjeet Singh of Punjab solemnized coronation of Raja Ghulab Singh as Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir at this place.

Extending Navratra greetings to the people, the Minister said that all religions show path which leads to prosperous and peaceful life adding that religions teach the moral code of conduct for truthful living. SDM Akhnoor, all sectoral officers, tehsildar, representatives of social organizations, School Children and prominent citizens were also present on the occasion.

In the Mega Final of All India Devotional Song Competition, Nikhil Majotra of Jammu emerged winner Competition that was organized during Navratra Festival at Katra and concluded today after 9 day long festivity and celebrations. Chaman Lehri of Reasi and Yasir Hussain of Jammu got second and third prize respectively.

On the occasion, Minister for Tourism GA Mir was the Chief Guest, who gave away Rs.1 Lakh prize money in the shape of “Gold” to the winner, Nikhil Majotra, and cheques worth Rs 25,000 and Rs 15,000 were also awarded to Chaman Lehri and Yasir Hussain in presence of Additional CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Director Tourism Soujanya Sharma, Additional SP Katra Pawan Parihar, members of Navratra Festival Celebration Committee, including Shiv Kumar Sharma, Sham Lal Kesar, Sardari Lal Dubey, RS Manhas, citizens, large number of local populace and pilgrims.

In addition to the “Gold” worth Rs 1 lakh, Nikhil also got the recording contract with Venus Records and Tapes Limited. The performance of the 14 finalists in the Mega Final was judged by noted Bollywood personalities including Actor Aftab Shivdasani, Managing Director of Venus Records and Tapes Limited Ganesh Jain, Trade Analyst and Producer Vikas Mohan, Ramesh Turani Managing Director Tips Industries and Chief Executive Officer Zee Jagran, Barkha Arora.

On the occasion, special guests and winners of previous contests Mool Raj, Sanjeet Kumar, Sonali Dogra and Ravi Kumar presented melodious Bhajans in the obeisance of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. While speaking, the Minister said that the annual Navratra Festival has gained prominence at National and even International level besides providing a platform to the budding artists to show their talent.

Many artists especially the winners of previous All India Devotional Song Contests are proving their worth in the film industry also, he added. The presence of Bollywood personalities would help the budding talent to get inspiration and excel in the field of music.

The Minister announced that from next year the prize money for the winner would be Rs.2 lakh and if the winner would be female then prize money would be Rs.3 lakh so that more and more women take part in these types of events.

Additional CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board while speaking said that the coordinated and sincere efforts put in by the different agencies especially the people of Katra the Navratra Festival has achieved excellence in every field and was recognized as Festival of Culture, Traditions, Talent and harmony.

Rakesh Wazir, Chairman, All India Devotional Song Competition conducted the proceedings of the programme. Earlier, Tourism Minister flanked by other dignitaries flagged off colorful procession with jhankies depicting the rich culture heritage of the Jammu & Kashmir State.

The competition is being organized by Department of Tourism and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Katra with active support of Zee News, Zee Jagran, MH Shardha, Big 92.7 FM, J&K Bank, Nidheesh Builders Private Limited, Jai Mata Di Sewa Sangh Prasadhi, Civil Defence, District Administration & Katra.