Navratra Festival 2023: A celebration of culture, devotion, blending culture, spirituality, tradition
STATE TIMES NEWS
KATRA: The Navratra Festival 2023, a magnificent fusion of culture, spirituality, and tradition, has etched a lasting impression in the hearts of all who bore witness to its grandeur. This remarkable event was organised through the collaborative efforts of the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra, and the Divisional Administration Jammu.
On the fourth day of the Navratra Festival 2023, the vibrant Shobha Yatra took center stage.
Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director of Tourism, Jammu, graced this colorful procession, weaving together the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology. The streets resounded with spiritual chants as magnificent tableaux paraded, depicting the rich spiritual culture and traditions, leaving onlookers spellbound.
This grand event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Chairman of the Municipal Committee Katra, Vimal Indu; DDC Member Katra, Nirmala Devi; DDC Member Panthal, Rajinder Mengi; Superintendent of Police Katra, Vipan Chandra; SDM Katra, Deepak Dubey; AD Tourism Katra, Arif Lone; prominent citizens of Katra, and officials from the Department.
The magnetic charm of the festival drew a diverse crowd of tourists who eagerly joined the festivities in large numbers. Their resounding applause testified to the remarkable organization of the Navratra Festival in Katra.
Sunaina Sharma Mehta extended her warmest congratulations to the participants, commending their unwavering devotion to Navratri.
She emphasized the Navratra Festival’s significance, stating that Navratra symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the profound significance of devotion, attracting pilgrims due to the divine presence of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.
She further added, This year, we’ve expanded the Navratra festivities beyond Katra to encompass Jammu, Samba, Udhampur, Kathua, and Basholi. The Basholi Ustav will feature Ramleela, Basholi paintings and exquisite Pashmina shawls, offering a rich cultural experience for all, all while emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility.
She was deeply moved by the enchanting presentation of Mata Ki Kahani by the renowned Natrang theatre group and while interacting with the artists, she acknowledged their exceptional talents.
Later, she visited the Yog Ashram Complex in Katra, where the All India Devotional Song Competition, a key highlight of the ongoing Navratra Festival, was in full swing. Singers captivated the audience with their soul-stirring devotional songs and bhajans, creating an atmosphere replete with spiritual bliss.
The day was replete with spiritually uplifting events, including a soul-stirring Parbhat Pheri in the early morning and an enchanting Bhagwat Katha in the evening at the sacred Durga Bhawan in Katra. Additionally, the festival featured a captivating Ramleela performance at Hr. Sec School, Katra, a laser show and Multimedia Exhibition along with culturally rich programs thoughtfully curated by the Central Bureau of Communication. Audiences were enraptured by the soulful renditions of folk songs and mesmerizing dance performances by exceptionally talented artists hailing from Jammu and various parts of India. Furthermore, a Mata ka Jagran was held at Chichi Mata Mandir in Udhampur.
The Navratra Festival 2023, a nine-day celebration, proudly showcased the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the region. The festivities will culminate on October 23, marked by fervor and enthusiasm at various locations, including Katra, Jammu, Kishtwar and Kathua.
With the active support of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra and the Divisional Administration Jammu, the Directorate of Tourism Jammu extends its heartfelt gratitude to all those who played pivotal roles in making this festival an outstanding success. It stands as a true milestone in the celebration of tradition and spirituality.
