STATE TIMES NEWS
KATRA: The two-day-long Navratra Festival Prabhat Pheri in the holy town of Katra-Vaishnodevi culminated in a grand and spiritual conclusion today, amidst the chanting of bhajans and the rhythmic beats of drums at bus stand katra.
This vibrant procession was jointly organized by the Department of Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir Government, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in association with the J&K Association of Prabhat Pheri, along with support from various local organizations.
The finale day was marked by a colourful procession, which was flagged off by the Chief Guest, Baldev Raj Sharma, newly elected MLA of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Constituency, along with Guests of Honour Alka Misra, Assistant Director of Tourism Deptt. and Sardari Lal Dubey, social activist in presence of special guests including Shiv Kumar Sharma former Joint Secretary of the J&K Sports Council and R.S. Manhas retired headmaster were also present to grace the occasion.
The event commenced with the traditional cutting of the red ribbon and the ceremonial breaking of a green coconut, symbolizing auspicious beginnings. Participants from all walks of life, including artists from art and culture academy J&K UT joined the procession, accompanied by pilgrims from Delhi and other states. The lively crowd chanted “Jaikaras” of Maa Vaishnodevi and danced to the beats of drums as the Prabhat Pheri made its way through the streets of Katra. A notable highlight of the day was the “Jhanki of Maa Sidhidatri” beautifully portrayed by Nikita and children of Amba Kids Panthal, adding to the spiritual fervour. In his address, Chief Guest praised the J&K Association of Prabhat Pheri for their dedication and efforts in organizing such a vibrant and spiritually uplifting event. Alka Misra emphasized that the prabhat pheri during Navratras is a profound expression of devotion towards Maa Vaishnodevi, and participating in it at Katra is believed to bring her divine blessings.
The Sr. Citizen Forum, led by Rattan Chand, participated in large numbers, adding to the festive spirit. Enthusiastic association members, adorned in colorful Pagaris (traditional headgear), danced with full energy throughout the procession route, symbolizing the joy and devotion of the final day of the Navratra celebrations.
A felicitation ceremony followed where dignitaries and various organizations were honored for their contributions to the success of the event. The chief guest and guests of honour were presented with pagari, chunari, and mementos as tokens of appreciation by the association members. The dignitaries later performed a Kanya Poojan ceremony, which was followed by the distribution of halwa (a traditional sweet) to the pilgrims and participants.
Raj Kumar Padha, president of the J&K Association of Prabhat Pheri thanked the J&K Tourism Department, district administration, health and police departments, fire and emergency services, CRPF 6th Battalion, municipal committee, students, and people of Katra for their support.
