The ongoing all India devotional song competition being organized as part of Navratra Festival 2017 entered day three after latest round was held Saturday evening here at Yog Ashram Complex.The programme began by lightening of the traditional lamp by Celebrity singers Dr. Sumangal Arora, Mannu Vandana and Shashi Shad in presence of Nodal Officer Navratra Festival Committee Arvind Kotwal, CEO Bhaderwah Development Authority Bal Krishan, Dy.SP Satish Bhardwaj, Rakesh Wazir President Hotel and Restaurant Association, Katra and Chairman All India Devotional Song Committee, Yog Acharya Swami Yoga Nand ji Maharaj and Virender Kesar etc.In the preliminary round of competition, Deepak Kumar from Kanyala was adjudged first, Kabul Bukhari from Mumbai stood at 2nd and 3rd position was held by Aarshi Kalas from Jammu, even as a total 10 singer participated in the competition. The first three winners were provided cash prizes of Rs 10,000 , Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively. They were also presented gift hampers by Roots Herbals.
The team of judges included Dr.Usha Bhagati former HOD Music, Prof. Parveen Sabharwal Professor Music Department and V.K Sambyal Retired Director All India Radio.The renowned celebrity singers Dr Sumangal Arora, Mannu Bandana and Shashi Shahid also enthralled the audience with their melodious performances. The venue was filled with spiritual ambience as singers present devotional songs in praise of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Many among the audience were seen dancing on the tunes of Bhajans.The proceeding of the competition was conducted by Rakesh Wazir- the Chairman of the event.He informed that that famous celebrity Singer Shanker Sawhney known for his many hit numbers would performtomorrow. He said that the event is being telecast live on Shradha Mhone and many other TV channels from 9 PM onwards daily.The All India Devotional Song Competition is being jointly organized by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Department of J&K Tourism and Shradha Mh one in association with Shiv Khori Shrine Board, J&K Bank, Ramada City Center (now open) Jammu, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Specialist Hospital, Pure Roots Herbal, , Nidhesh Builders Jammu Pvt Ltd, 92.7 Big FM, District Administration and the host groups of Katra.