STATE TIMES NEWS
KATRA: An impressive Shobha Yatra was taken out here on the 3rd day of Navratra festival. The Shobha Yatra which started from Asia Chowk passed through the Main Bazaar, Panthal Road, Bus Stand and finally culminated at Yog Ashram, here.
Director Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academy (SKPA) Udhampur Rajesh Kumar Yadav was the Chief Guest on the occasion while Commandant 160 CRPF Battalion Reasi Surinder Kumar Mehra was the Guest of Honour.
Various cultural programmes depicting the rich culture of our country were presented by various artists from within and outside the state.
A large number of people and pilgrims participated in the Shobha Yatra besides Jhankis were also taken out on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Muskan Welfare Foundation for disabled and underprivileged children presented a talent show ‘Hum Bhi Kam Nahin’ at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra.
The show was organised by the Foundation in collaboration with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), J and K Tourism Department and District Administration Reasi.
DDC Reasi, Ravinder Kumar was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Children from within and outside the state presented various cultural items which were highly appreciated.
The DDC lauded the efforts of these children for their excellent performances. He also assured full cooperation to the Foundation.
Later, cash prizes and mementos were distributed among the winners and the members of the Foundation.
President Muskan Welfare Foundation, Sandeep Mehra, Members of the Navratra festival committee, prominent citizens, large number of Yatris were present.
Meanwhile, All India Devotional Song Competition started with lighting of traditional lamp by Rajesh Kumar, Director Sher-I-Kashmir Police Academy, Udhampur and former IGP Jammu along with Sushil Kumar Mishra Commandant CRPF Katra, Mahesh Sharma CEO Shiv Khori Shrine Board Reasi, Rakesh Kumar CEO Patnitop Development Authority, Sudershan Kumar CEO Lakhanpur Sarthal Development Authority, Neelam Khajuria SDM Katra, Chairman Devotional Song Committee Rakesh Wazir and Mohit Raina Tehsildar Katra besides members of Navratra Festival Committee S.L Dubey and Varinder Kesar.
In this preliminary round of competition, Sarbjeet Singh from Jammu was adjudged 1st and Kiran Bawa from Jalandhar adjudged 2nd while 3rd position was held by Rakesh Malhotra from Jammu among the 13 audition passed participants and were provided with the cash prizes of Rs. 10,000, Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 3,000 respectively.
The Devotional Song Competition was adjudged by the panel of experts in music including Prof. Anupama Sharma, Lecturer Music Government Degree College Parade, P.L Subberwal, who has worked in Government Women College Gandhi Nagar and Government Women College Parade as HoD Music and Dr. C.L Verma Ex-Dean and Chairperson Himachal Pradesh University Shimla. The proceedings were conducted by Rakesh Wazir.
The competition is being organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Department of J&K Tourism and Mh Shradha with active support of Shiv Khori Shrine Board, India News, Zee PHH, 92.7 Big FM, J&K Bank, Nidesh Builders Pvt. Ltd. Jammu, District Administration, Katra Municipality and the local host Community.
