KATRA, Oct 18: A grand Prabhat Pheri organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Association of Prabhat Pheri marked the eighth day of Navratra in the holy town of Katra on Sunday, filling the streets with devotional songs, religious fervour and colourful cultural performances as part of Navratra Festival Katra 2026.
The festival is being organised jointly by the J&K Tourism Department and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in association with the District Administration Reasi and the people of Katra.
The procession commenced from the Bus Stand, proceeded towards Darshani Deodi via Banganga Road, passed through the main bazaar and culminated at the Bus Stand. Local residents and pilgrims welcomed the procession and joined the devotees along the route, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Jugal Kishore, AEE, PWD, and retired headmaster Rattan Singh Manhas flagged off the procession by cutting the ceremonial red ribbon and breaking a green coconut. Naib Tehsildar Reasi Madan Lal and Dr. Gopal Dutt, Medical Superintendent, were also present. The dignitaries were felicitated by association members with traditional turbans, Mata ki chunaries and mementos.
The eighth day of Navratra is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth manifestation of Goddess Durga, symbolising purity, peace, compassion and serenity. Devotees raised slogans of “Jai Mata Di” and sang devotional bhajans while moving through the streets of Katra.
Locals, NCC cadets and pilgrims participated enthusiastically, dancing to devotional performances by Baldev and Party and Naman and Party from Punjab. Traditional musical instruments, soulful singing and religious chants created a vibrant spiritual atmosphere.
A special attraction was the participation of the Central Bureau of Communication and cultural groups from Jammu and Kashmir, including Chinar Art Foundation, Nirmal Art and Vijay Kumar. The artists presented performances showcasing the region’s cultural heritage, traditional art forms and devotional traditions, drawing an enthusiastic response from spectators.
CRPF personnel welcomed the procession at Yog Ashram and distributed prasad among participants under the supervision of Pardeep Goswami, Commandant, 6th Battalion, CRPF. The gesture reflected the spirit of hospitality, service and devotion associated with the celebrations.
Raj Kumar Padha announced that another grand Prabhat Pheri would be organised on the occasion of Ram Navami, coinciding with the concluding day of the Navratra Festival. He appealed to residents and pilgrims to participate in large numbers and seek the blessings of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
Among those present were Ajay Sharma, Ramnik Nawada, Manoj Sadhotra, Atul Sharma, Neelam Singh, Rakesh Sharma, Sanjay Kesar, Tilak Raj, Shamsher Singh, Vishal Pandit, Rajesh Gupta, Rattan Chand, Babu Ram, Vijay Kumar, Renueji Dhar, Prakash Raj, Sanjay Tickoo, Vimal Kumar, Munish Kapoor, P. N. Kaul, Suman Kotwal and other association members and devotees.