On the occasion of 4th day of ongoing Navratra Festival, over 19000 devotees paid obeisance at the revered Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi besides thousands witnessed the religious carnival being organized here at the base camp Shrine.Meanwhile, an overwhelming participation of devotees, who throng here from across the state and country to seek blessings of Goddess Vaishno Devi besides witnessing the religious festival, was recorded at the festival on 3rdday of the event here yesterday.On the occasion, a scintillating cultural procession cum Shobha Yatra depicting rich culture and traditions of the state and the country as well.Minister for Industries & Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga, who was the chief guest on the occasion, lit the sacred Joyti to mark start of the impressive procession.
While speaking on the occasion, the Minister greeted the pilgrims and lauded the efforts of all concerned for organizing a colorful Shobha yatra cum cultural procession. He stressed upon the people to preserve and keep alive the rich culture and traditions of the state. He prayed for peace, prosperity and progress of the state. He also spoke on the importance of Kanyapujan in Dogra culture.The colorful Jhankies included traditional dances of various states like Himachali besides presentations like Dogri & Ladhakhi, Bal Devta’s roop, Radha krishan roop, Mahakali roop, view of Bharon Badh, King Jambulochan scene, Gramin Panchayat, Kud and various scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.The procession was taken out from Asia Crossing which after passing through the main bazaars and other locations of the Katra town culminated at Chintamani Mandir.
Later, the Minister attended the All India devotional song competition.MLA Reasi Ajay Nanda was also present on the occasion.The Minister lauded the efforts of organizers of the programme for providing a platform to young singers in exploring their talent.During the competition, the first position was won by Sonu Mangotra from Punjab and 2nd Position was shared by Shivam Sharma from Reasi , Shivankur Bharti and Reema Devi from Jammu while and 3rd position was clinched by Vishwa Gandharv from Jammu.ADDC Bhawani Singh Rukwal, SP Katra, Sumir Kotwal, SDM Katra Anil Kumar, DD Toursim S.K Atri, senior officers of different departments, members of Navratra Celebration Committee, Hotel Association Katra, prominent citizens and large number of people were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, a Shobha Yatra was taken out in the holy town by the Cultural Association Katra.The Song and Drama Division, Ministry of I&B, Government of India also presented a colorful cultural programme in the premises of Govt Higher Secondary School, Katra as part of the ongoing navratra festival. In addition, around 1,05,801 pilgrims visited the holy town Katra and paid obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji Shrine during the navratras.As per Yatra registration counter (YRC) Katra, on the third day of Navratra festival 2015, about 28838 yatris visited katra and paid obeisance at the Shrine.Different events like All India Devotional song competition, cultural programmes, shobha yatra cum cultural procession, religious discourses on Ramayana, Bhagwad Gita, plays on Baba Jitto, wrestling competition, talent show for blinds, fancy dress competitions by students, exhibition of departmental stalls etc are being organized during the ongoing Navratra festival.