STATE TIMES NEWS
KATRA: The nine days Navratra Festival Prabhat Pheri in the holy town of Katra-Vaishnodevi came to conclusion on Monday morning which was jointly organized by Department of Tourism J&K Govt. & Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board Katra in association with J&K Association Prabhat Pheri beside indirect support from other organizations during Navratra Festival 2023.
The function concluded amidst chanting of Bhajans & beating of drums at Bus Stand Katra.
Earlier Chief Guest, Baldev Raj Sharma, ex MLA Reasi and Guests of Honour, Jitender Singh Tehsildar Katra and Ghulam Abbas Joint Director Central Bureau of Communications in presence of Special Guests Gopal Dutt BMO Katra and Shiv Kumar Sharma former Joint Secretary J&K Sports Council flagged off the Prabhat Pheri from Bus Stand Katra. A colourful procession was taken out in which artists of CBC from J&K, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and a large number of locals and devotees participated .
Today’s attraction was jhanki of Maa Sidhidatri showcased by Nikita and Vanshita. Pilgrims group from Delhi and other states joined the Prabhat Pheri and they chanted the Jaikaras of Maa Vaishnodevi and danced to the beats of drum all along the route.
Baldev Raj Sharma wished may Maa Vaishnodevi shower her blessings upon all on the pious occasion of Ramnavmi & complimented the efforts of members of the J &K Association of Prabhat Pheri in making this event colourful, successful and spiritual.
Ghulam Abbass said that Prabhat Pheri during navratras is a form of devotion towards the holy deity & performing Prabhat Pheri at Katra will definitely please maa Vaishnodevi.
Sr. Citizen Forum led by Rattan Chand participated in the Prabhat Pheri in large numbers.
Being the last day of festivity, the association members were all enthusiastic and danced in full swing all along the route while wearing colourful Pagaries.
A felicitation ceremony was hosted to honour the dignitaries present in the procession, various organizations and members of J&K association of Prabhat Pheri with mementos for making necessary arrangements and better coordination during Prabhat Pheri.
Baldev Raj Sharma and Jitender Singh and Ghulam Abbas felicitated with Pagari and Chunari and memento by association members.
After the felicitation function Kanya Poojan was performed by the dignitaries and Halwa was served to the Yatries and participants who participated in the procession of Prabhat Pheri.
Raj Kumar Padha, President J&K Association of Prabhat Pheri told that it was the result of coordination & sincere efforts put in by the people of Katra especially association members for making the event of Prabhat Pheri a grand success.
He thanked the J&K Tourism Deptt., district administration, Health Department, Police Department, Fire and Emergency Services Deptt., CRPF 6th Battalion Katra, students, Municipal Committee Katra, print and electronic media and Katra people for their active cooperation and support during Prabhat Pheri processions.
Association members present on the occasion were Ajay Sharma, Raj Kumar Dubey, Ramnik Nawada, R S Manhas, Rattan Sharma, Neelam Singh, Brij Mohan Suri, Subash Chand, Rakesh Sharma, Renueji Dhar, Rattan Chand, Rajesh Gupta, Vimal Sharma, Satish Kumar, Prinu Dhar, P N Kaul and Suman Kotwal.
Among others present in the procession were Babu Ram Dubey, Murlidhar, Sham Lal, Sanjay Tickoo, P C Rana and Hemraj.