Katra,Oct 24 — The captivating Navratra Festival 2023 reached its grand conclusion today in Katra, leaving all in attendance spellbound with its mesmerizing performances and cultural richness. This spectacular event was a collaborative endeavor by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra, and the Divisional Administration Jammu. The festival’s crowning day was highlighted by the dazzling Shobha Yatra, ceremoniously inaugurated by Sh. Anand Jain, IPS, IGP Jammu, and Sh. Suleman Ch, IPS, DIG Udhampur-Reasi range, accompanied by an array of esteemed dignitaries.
The Shobha Yatra, a vibrant procession graced by colorful tableaux and captivating cultural presentations, masterfully showcased the profound cultural diversity and rich aspects of Hindu mythology. The atmosphere pulsated with joyous celebrations and fervent devotion as enthusiastic crowds joined the parade, adding to the event’s grandeur.
In the grand climax of the festival, distinguished guests gathered at the serene Yog Ashram Complex, where the All India Devotional Song Competition culminated with heart-touching performances by the participants. The audience was held in raptures by the devotional songs and bhajans. The honor of first place in the Mega Final was bestowed upon the exceptionally talented Laisal Roy from Chandigarh. Anmol from Hoshiarpur secured the second position, and Sukhjinder from Punjab claimed the third spot, each demonstrating their remarkable talents. The winners were awarded prizes in the form of gold: 3 lakh for the first prize, 1 lakh for the second, and 50,000 for the third.
The event was graced by notable guests, including Anand Jain, IPS, IGP Police Jammu, Sh. Suleman Ch, IPS, DIG Reasi-Udhampur range, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Smt. Babila Rakwal, JKAS, Joint Director Tourism Ms. Sunaina Sharma Mehta, JKAS, Sh. Vipan Chandra, JKPS, Addl SP Katra, Sh. Deepak Dubey, JKAS, SDM Katra, Mr Arif Lone, JKAS, AD Tourism Kata and other distinguished figures.
Renowned Bollywood and media personalities, including Ganesh Jain, former SMVD Shrine Board member, and Managing Director of Venus Worldwide, Pahlaj Nihalani, former Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification and renowned filmmaker, the talented actress Mishikka Chourasia, the celebrated former actress and wife of the renowned actor Shatrugan Sinha, Poonam Sinha, the leading film singer Shankar Sahney, the accomplished filmmaker Rishi Raj, the esteemed film maker and trade analyst Kumar Mohan, the Vice President of Zee Network Barkha Arora, along with CL Verma and Dr. Surinder, Sh. Rakesh Wazir also graced the event with their presence.
Sh. Anand Jain commended the event’s resounding success and extended his gratitude to the organizers, recognizing the support provided by numerous individuals and organizations, including those from the film and media industry.
Ms. Babila Rakwal, commended the commendable efforts of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB), the Tourism Department, and all other stakeholders for their successful organization of the event.
Ms. Sunaina Sharma Mehta, highlighted the global live telecast of the event, which played a pivotal role in promoting Jammu and Kashmir tourism on a global scale. She extended a warm invitation to the film industry to explore the region for film shoots, emphasizing the untapped potential of Jammu in the realms of adventure, pilgrimage and rural tourism. Her statements underscored the department’s steadfast commitment to unlocking these opportunities.
Rakesh Wazir, the Chairman of the All India Devotional Competition and President of the Hotel & Restaurant Association in Katra, orchestrated the event with grandeur, adding a magnificent touch to the proceedings.
Renowned Bollywood singers Shankar Sawhney, known for his record-breaking “Maha Marantugya Mantra” with 50 crore views, and Amrinder Bobby, famous for hits like “Botiyein ti Cha they bich kal e tu bhi jayengi,” joined the event. Special invitees and former competition winners, Sonali Dogra, Mool Raj, and Ravi Kumar, enriched the occasion with captivating live performances, infusing a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
The grand finale also included the unveiling of the trailer/poster for Pahlaj Nihalani’s upcoming movie, “Anari is Back,” scheduled for release on November 24. This closing ceremony of the Navratra Festival 2023 was not merely a celebration of culture and devotion; it was also a vivid testament to the region’s deep cultural heritage and spirituality.
The Navratra Festival featured a diverse array of events and cultural expressions on the concluding day including the traditional ‘Prabhat Pheri’ in the morning, captivating ‘Ramleela’ performances, the spiritual ‘Bhagwat Katha,’ the enchanting ‘Mata ki Kahani,’ a cultural and multimedia exhibition presented by the talented artists of CBC, ‘Vartap’ sessions, and a special showcase of rural media work hosted by CBC, among other captivating events.
