Navratra Festival 2026: Shobha Yatra, Prabhat Feri and Devotional Song Competition held in Katra

KATRA: A vibrant Shobha Yatra was today organised in the holy town of Katra as part of the ongoing Navratra Festival 2026, featuring beautifully decorated tableaux depicting spiritual aspects of revered deities. The Shobha Yatra drew the huge gathering of devotees, pilgrims and locals, reflecting the region’s rich religious traditions.

Chief Planning Officer Reasi Narinder Kumar attended the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the religious and cultural significance of the Navratra Festival and emphasised the importance of preserving the region’s spiritual heritage.

A Prabhat Feri was also organised in the holy town as part of the ongoing festivities, with devotees and locals participating with great enthusiasm and devotion. The procession passed through the main streets of the town, with participants singing devotional bhajans and reciting religious hymns, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.

The All India Devotional Song Competition, being held at Yog Ashram as part of the festival, saw Rajeev Salotra of Jammu securing first position.  Anshu Kalotra and Aarav Wazir shared second place and Bharat Bhushan and Sarabjeet the third place among 13 participants.

The competition was judged by a panel of music experts comprising Dr. Surinder Sharma, C.L. Verma, Anupama Sharma and singer Balraj Singh, who also enthralled the audience with his performance.

Competition Chairman said the winner of grand finale would receive a cash prize of ₹3 lakh along with a recording contract with Venus Records & Tapes Ltd. He added that the auditions and preliminary rounds would continue till October 16, providing aspiring devotional singers an opportunity to showcase their talent and compete for the top honour.