KATRA: Religious processions, spiritual discourses and cultural performances marked the second day of Navratra Festival 2026 in Katra on Monday, bringing devotees and visitors together for celebrations centred on the region’s religious traditions.
The day began with a Prabhat Pheri from Fountain Chowk, with devotees singing bhajans in praise of Mata Vaishno Devi as the procession passed through the town’s main bazaar.
Theatre group Natrang later presented Mata Ki Kahani at the Spiritual Growth Centre, portraying the story of the revered deity. A Bhagwat Katha programme was also held at Durga Bhawan, where devotees attended religious discourses.
A Shobha Yatra, presided over by Director Urban Local Bodies Jammu Kapil Sharma, featured tableaux depicting Hindu religious traditions and India’s cultural heritage. Addressing participants, Sharma thanked the organisers, local committee members and devotees for their support, saying the procession would continue throughout the festival.
The day’s programmes concluded with the All India Devotional Song Competition at Yog Ashram, where singers from different parts of the region performed devotional compositions.
The festival is being organised jointly by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, the Divisional Administration Jammu and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to promote religious and cultural tourism in Katra.
The Navratra Festival will continue until October 19, with more religious, cultural and tourism-related programmes scheduled during the remaining days.
