KATRA, Oct 14: The All India Devotional Song Competition, being organised as part of Navratra Festival 2026, entered its third day at the Yog Ashram Complex in Katra, with talented singers delivering captivating performances and former winner Rajan Gill enthralling the audience with his powerful voice.
The event is being organised jointly by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, and the PTC Network, in association with SMVD Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, J&K Bank, Nice Gems, Nidheesh Builders Jammu Pvt. Ltd. and 92.7 Big FM, with the active support of the District Administration and the local community.
The third day’s programme was inaugurated by Rakesh Dubey, CEO, Patnitop Development Authority, by lighting the traditional ceremonial lamp. The occasion was attended by Gopal Singh, CEO, Katra Development Authority; Rajesh Raina, Assistant Director, Tourism; former competition winner Rajan Gill; Swami Yoganand Ji Maharaj; Kirti Khajuria, Chairman, All India Devotional Song Committee; Rakesh Wazir, President, Hotel and Restaurant Association Katra; Senior Vice President Virender Kesar; Subash Kumar and others.
Among the 13 participants who auditioned on the third day, Aditya from Jammu secured first position, winning a cash prize of Rs 10,000. Ojasvi Sharma from Udhampur bagged second position and received Rs 5,000, while Barbee Staniz Edzes from Jammu and Vicky Gill from Karnal, Haryana, jointly secured third position, receiving Rs 3,000 each. The prizes were presented by the distinguished guests.
The performances were evaluated by a panel of music experts comprising Dr. Surinder Sharma, Head of Department, Government Degree College, Sanjauli, Himachal Pradesh; C.L. Verma, former Chairman, Post Graduate University of Himachal Pradesh; and Anupama Sharma, Professor of Music at Government Degree Colleges, Parade, Jammu.
Former winner Rajan Gill emerged as a major attraction of the evening, captivating the audience with his soulful and energetic performance. His singing created an electrifying atmosphere, with spectators seen dancing and enjoying the devotional melodies.
The proceedings were conducted by Rakesh Wazir, Chairman of the competition, who announced that renowned singer Johny Sufi would perform on October 15 and also serve as a judge for the competition.
He further informed that prominent singers, including Shanker Sawhny, Suraj Singh, Naveen Punjabi and Sonali Dogra, among others, would perform on subsequent evenings.
The event is being telecast live on PTC Punjabi Gold daily from 9 PM, enabling devotees and music lovers to enjoy the performances beyond Katra.
The competition continues to provide a platform for emerging devotional singers from across the country while adding cultural vibrancy to the Navratra celebrations in the holy town of Katra.