KATRA: A Shobha Yatra featuring decorated tableaux depicting revered deities was held in Katra on Thursday as part of the ongoing Navratra Festival 2026, drawing devotees, pilgrims and local residents.
Chief Planning Officer Reasi Narinder Kumar attended the procession as chief guest and highlighted the religious and cultural significance of the festival, stressing the need to preserve the region’s spiritual heritage.
A Prabhat Feri was also organised, with devotees and residents moving through the town’s main streets while singing devotional bhajans and reciting religious hymns.
Meanwhile, the All India Devotional Song Competition at Yog Ashram saw Rajeev Salotra of Jammu secure first place among 13 participants. Anshu Kalotra and Aarav Wazir shared the second position, while Bharat Bhushan and Sarabjeet jointly secured third place.
The competition was judged by music experts Dr Surinder Sharma, C.L. Verma, Anupama Sharma and singer Balraj Singh, who also performed for the audience.
The competition chairman said the winner of the grand finale would receive a cash prize of ₹3 lakh and a recording contract with Venus Records & Tapes Ltd. Auditions and preliminary rounds will continue until October 16, providing aspiring devotional singers an opportunity to compete for the top honour.
