Devotional chants fill Katra during Prabhat Pheri
16/10/2026
Katra,October 16 (KIP)-The holy town of Katra the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine continues to witness vibrant Prabhat Pheris every morning during the Navratras which have emerged as one of the major spiritual attractions of Navratra Festival Katra. On the occasion of the sixth Navratra the Prabhat Pheri was inaugurated by the chief guest Sh. Rajesh Raina, Assistant Director Tourism and guest of honour Dr. Prikshit Sharma, Tourist Officer in the presence of Madan Lal , Naib Tehsildar, Dr Gopal Dutt and R.S. Manhas by cutting the red ribbon and breaking a green coconut as per traditional rituals. The Prabhat Pheri commenced from Bus Stand Katra amid devotional chants, bhajans and an atmosphere filled with religious enthusiasm. Beautiful tableaux depicting Maa Katyayani and little kanjak, Lord Krishna and Sudhama were the major attractions of the procession. The procession passed through Shiv Mandir, Banganga Road, Darshani Deodi CRPF Gate, Hanuman Mandir and Sheetla Mata Mandir before culminating at Bus Stand, Katra.At CRPF gate prabhat pheri received warm welcome by the CRPF assistant commandent and team.
Devotees, local residents and representatives of the civil and police administration participated in the religious procession with great devotion and enthusiasm. Groups from the Central Bureau of Communication, Chinar Art Foundation, Saraswati Sangeet Vidyalaya and Naman Cultural Troupe, under the leadership of Sh. Durga Parkash, added colour and vibrancy to the event through their cultural participation. Baldev and his group from Chintamani Mohalla also joined the Prabhat Pheri, further enhancing the enthusiasm and devotional spirit of the gathering.
Speaking on the occasion chief guest Sh. Rajesh Raina said that Prabhat Pheri symbolises inner purification and spiritual awakening. He observed that such traditions encourage people to overcome negative habits and adopt a disciplined lifestyle conducive to good health, positive thinking and overall well-being. He appreciated the organisers for preserving this age-old tradition and making it an integral part of the Navratra celebrations in Katra.
President of the J&K Association of Prabhat Pheri , Sh. Raj Kumar Padha emphasised the importance of following the ideals associated with Maa Katyayani by shunning evil forces, purifying one's thoughts and actions and embracing the path of virtue, righteousness and inner peace. He said that Prabhat Pheri is not merely a religious procession but also a powerful medium of bringing people together through devotion, cultural heritage and collective participation. He added that the initiative has been instrumental in strengthening Katra's spiritual atmosphere during Navratras and providing devotees with an opportunity to begin their day with divine blessings.
The Prabhat Pheris are being organised by the J&K Association of Prabhat Pheri with the active support of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board the J&K Tourism Department and the District Administration Reasi as part of the ongoing Navratra Festival celebrations in Katra.
After the culmination of the Prabhat Pheri, a felicitation ceremony was organised by the association, during which the chief guest and the guest of honour were presented with mementos in recognition of their presence and support for the religious and cultural initiative.
Among others present on the occasion were R. S. Manhas, Atul Sharma,Neelam Singh,Rakesh Sharma,Shamsher Singh,Babu Ram Sharma,Rattan Chand,Makhan, Rajesh Gupta, , Vimal Kumar,Madan Lal, Rattan Chand, P. N. Kaul , Gulshan Kumar,Raj Kumar ,Shanker,Sarbat.Ritu Sharma along with other members of the association, devotees and local residents.