Navratra Festival-2009
Minister participates in Shobha Yatra at Katra on 3rd Navratra
Katra, September 22 - On the third day of the Navratra Festival- 2009, a grand Shobha Yatra was taken out from the main city bazaars of Katra town besides organization of All India Devotional Song Competition jointly by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Jammu & Kashmir Tourism department with active participation by local Associations of Katra.
The Minister for Medical Education and Youth Services and Sports, Mr. Rajinder Singh Chib was the chief guest on the occasion and the Shobha Yatra commenced with the lightening of traditional lamp from Asia Crossing.
MLA, Reasi, Mr. Baldev Raj Sharma, District Development Commissioner, Reasi, Mr. Pandurang Pole, Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, Mr. Anand Jain, President Cultural Association, Katra Mr. Surinder Khajuria, prominent people of the Katra town and large number of devotees were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister exhorted upon the devotees to spread the message of communal harmony and mutual brotherhood among all sections of the society in the country and celebrate all such common festivals together lending them the hue of communal and cultural harmony which forms the essence of our great civilisation.
A number of jankies were taken out based on different cultural, social and religious themes which were accorded festive welcome by thousands of devotees standing on both sides of road from Asia crossing to bus-stand area. The ambience lighted with Mata Vaishno Devi’s slogans and bhajans.
During the 3rd day of All India Devotional Song Competition, Paramjeet Titu of Jammu and Vikander of Jammu were declared first and second respectively while as the 3rd prize was shared by Licky Gill of Amritsar and Anju Shah of Reasi. Rs. 5000 and Rs.3000 was awarded to first and second winners while Rs. 1000 each was given as the third prize by the Navratra celebration committee. Besides prizes sponsored by Zee Network were also given to the winners.
Chairman of All India Devotional Song Competition Katra Mr. Rakesh Wazir thanked the Minister on his visit to Katra for infusing greater festivity to the cultural activities being organized as part of Navratra Festival at Katra for the entertainment of visiting devotees.
|
Source: Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Department of Information, Press Note, September 22, 2009
