Directorate of Tourism Jammu in collaboration with District Administration Reasi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra is celebrating the Navratra Festival-2022 at Katra. The main highlights of the 8th day of Navratra Festival-2022 was Shobha Yatra which was flagged off by Sandeep Mehta, SSP, Commandant IRP, J&K in presence of President Municipal Committee Katra Vimal Indu, Mrs. Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director Tourism, Jammu, Ms. Ambika Bali, ADT Katra, Ms. Ranjit Kour State Taxation Officer among others.
The Shobha Yatra started from Asia Chowk Katra to Bus stand Katra with colourful tableaux and cultural processions showcasing the cultural diversity and multifold aspects of Hindu mythology. The joyous mood amidst the enchanting crowds filled the atmosphere with celebratory and devotional mood.
The main highlight of the Shobha Yatra was ‘Shiv Bharat’ which garnered immense response from the pilgrims who kept chanting ‘Jai Mata Di’ ‘Jai Bholenath Ki'. Tourists thronged the venue in large numbers and appreciated the efforts of the Tourism Department in successful organization of grand celebration of Navratra Festival at Katra.
Speaking on the occasion, SSP Sandeep Mehta congratulated all the local stakeholders, participants, Tourism Department, Police department, District administration in the successful organization of such grand festival.
He also witnessed the ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ play which is being staged by Natrang Theatre Group at Railway Road, Katra which was followed by a scintillating laser show on the ‘Mata ki Kahani’. The Chief Guest also visited Hr. Sec. School Katra and witnessed the Multimedia Exhibition and cultural programmes organized by Central Bureau of Communication, UT of J&K and Ladakh.
The artists from J&K and other parts of India enthralled the audiences with their folk song and dance performances. Later the esteemed guests visited the Yog Ashram Complex where the All India Devotional Song Competition is being organized during the ongoing Navratra Festival.
The singers mesmerized the audience with the presentation of devotional songs and bhaints. The other highlights of the day were Parbhat Pheri which was organised in the early morning and Bhagwat Katha in the evening at Raghunath Temple Katra.
Pertinent to mention here that the Navratra Festival 2022 shall culminate on 04.10.2022 which marks 9 days long festivities organized by Tourism Department at Katra, Jammu, Kishtwar and Kathua.