KATRA, OCTOBER 16: The All India Devotional Song Competition, being organised as part of Navratra Utsav 2026, was inaugurated at Yog Ashram Complex in the evening with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Chief Planning Officer Reasi Narinder Kumar.
The event is being organised with the active support of the district administration Reasi and the local community to promote devotional music and provide a platform to budding singers.
On the fifth night of the competition, Lalit Bhardwaj from Jammu secured the first position, while Rani Sagar bagged the second position. Mukesh from Kanyala and Manjeet from Jalandhar shared the third position among the 13 participants who auditioned. The winners were awarded cash prizes of ₹10,000, ₹5,000 and ₹3,000, respectively, by the distinguished guests.
The competition was adjudicated by a panel of music experts, comprising Dr. Surinder Sharma, Head of the Department at Government Degree College, Sanjoli, Himachal Pradesh; C. L. Verma, former Chairman of Postgraduate University, Himachal Pradesh; Anupama Sharma, Professor of Music at Degree College Parade Jammu and renowned singers Jonny Sufi and Naveen Punjabi.
Additionally, Celebrity singer Jonny Sufi and former competition winner Naveen Punjabi enthralled the audience with their captivating performances. Their energetic singing drew an enthusiastic response, with people seen dancing to their melodious tunes.
Speaking on the occasion, Narinder Kumar said that the competition not only provides a valuable platform for aspiring singers to showcase their talent but also plays an important role in promoting tourism in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He encouraged young and emerging singers to participate enthusiastically in the competition and make the most of the opportunities it offers.
