Katra, October 18: Renowned film personalities Deepak Prasher, Preeti Sapru, Ganesh Jain and Kumar Mohan have reached Katra to grace the Mega Final of the All India Devotional Song Competition (AIDSC), scheduled to be held on October 19 as part of the Navratra Festival 2026. The personalities will be among the judges for the prestigious competition.
Interacting with the media here, Rakesh Wazir, Chairman of the Navratra Festival’s All India Devotional Song Competition Committee and President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, Katra, introduced the visiting film personalities and highlighted their contributions to the film industry.
Deepak Prasher is known for his performances in films such as _Insaaf Ka Tarazu_, _Nikaah_ and _Sharaabi_. Preeti Sapru, a prominent actress in Punjabi cinema, has featured in films including _Qurbani Jat Di_, _Lawaris_, _Nimmo_, _Yaari Jat Di_, _Avtaar_ and _Sarpanch_.
Ganesh Jain, Managing Director of Venus Records & Tapes Ltd., has been associated with the production of more than 50 films, including _Baazigar_, _Baadshah_, _Dhadkan_, _Josh_ and _Main Khiladi Tu Anari_. His upcoming film _Dhadkan 2_ is scheduled for release shortly. Kumar Mohan, a well-known film trade analyst, has also been associated with films such as _Libaas_, _Aarzoo_ and _Adhura Aadmi_.
Mr. Wazir said that the presence of these distinguished personalities, along with other prominent media figures, would add to the attraction of the Mega Final and inspire aspiring singers participating in the competition.
The Silver Jubilee edition of the All India Devotional Song Competition is being organised by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the Department of J&K Tourism and the PTC Network, in association with SMVD Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, J&K Bank, Nice Gems, Nidheesh Builders Jammu Pvt. Ltd., Hotel & Restaurant Association Katra, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu Region, and Yog Ashram Complex, with the active support of the District Administration.
Highlighting the objective of the competition, Mr. Wazir said that it aims to promote devotional music dedicated to Maa Vaishno Devi Ji, provide a national platform to talented singers and contribute to the promotion of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Mega Final will be held at Yog Ashram Complex, Katra, with **free entry for the public**. The event will also be telecast live on PTC Punjabi Gold from 9 PM onwards.
Apart from performances by the finalists, the audience will witness special performances by renowned singers Inderjit Nikku, Shanker Sawhney, Sonali Dogra, Laisel Roy and Ravi Kumar.
Mr. Wazir noted that the competition has played a significant role in nurturing musical talent and providing opportunities to singers who have subsequently made their mark in the entertainment industry. Its past participants and winners include Himani Kapoor, Sonali Dogra, Mool Raj, Naveen Punjabi, Rajan Gill, Ravi Kumar, Sanjeet Kumar, Anjusha, Vanshika Jaral and Ananya, among others.
Himani Kapoor has lent her voice to films such as _Dil Diya Hai_, _Chingari_, _Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!_, _Fool & Final_ and _Bachna Ae Haseeno_. Several other participants have also achieved success in the music and entertainment industry and gained recognition through reality shows such as _Zee TV Sa Re Ga Ma Pa_, _Voice of Punjab_ and _Awaz Punjab Di_.
He further said that personalities from the film industry have consistently contributed to the success of AIDSC, and their presence has been a major source of encouragement and attraction for contestants from across the country.
The competition offers gold worth Rs 3 lakh as the first prize , along with a recording contract with Venus Worldwide for the winner. The second prize carries Rs 1 lakh, while the third prize is Rs 50,000. The prizes will be presented on the day of the Mega Final.
Meanwhile, the quarter-final round witnessed enthusiastic participation, with Additional SP Katra Kameshwar Puri attending as the Chief Guest. Renowned folk singer Ustad Swarn Singh Yamla, former AIDSC winner Kiran Baba, noted cartoonist Sagar Kumar and DySP Bhisham Dubey were among the distinguished guests.
Twenty participants competed in the quarter-final for places in the next round. Of these, ten singers—Stanzin, Mohinder Soni, Aarav Wazir, Ayati Sharma, Vicky Gill, Ojasvi Sharma, Anshu Krotra, Mukesh Kumar, Netra Tickoo and Manjeet—qualified for the semi-final stage.
Ustad Swarn Singh Yamla and Kiran Baba also enthralled the audience with special performances as guest singers.
With its emphasis on devotional music, emerging talent and cultural promotion, the Silver Jubilee edition of AIDSC is expected to be a major highlight of the Navratra Festival 2026 in Katra.
