Natrang’s ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ Concludes with 16th Presentation at Katra

Katra, October 20: Natrang Jammu's internationally acclaimed musical dance-theatre production 'Mata Ki Kahani' concluded its series of performances today at the Auditorium of Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra, with its 16th consecutive show during the Navratra Festival-2026. The production brought the sacred legend of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi to life through an engaging blend of theatre, music and dance.

Prof. Pragti Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, was the chief guest on the occasion. He appreciated the initiative of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in presenting this production as part of the festival, and commended Natrang for creating a theatrical experience that combines spiritual storytelling with high standards of performance and stagecraft.

The final show received an enthusiastic response, with audiences applauding the artists repeatedly. The production's choreography, music, visual design and expressive performances held the audience's attention, conveying the spiritual significance of the legend through a dynamic stage presentation.

Conceived, scripted, designed and directed by Padma Shri awardee Balwant Thakur, 'Mata Ki Kahani' brings a revered spiritual narrative to the stage through carefully composed sequences, coordinated group performances and evocative musical elements. The production reflects Natrang's approach to making India's cultural and spiritual heritage accessible through contemporary theatrical techniques.

Across its 16 presentations, the show remained a key attraction of the Navratra Festival in Katra, offering pilgrims and visitors an opportunity to experience the story of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi through the performing arts. It also highlighted the role of theatre in preserving cultural traditions and enriching the festival's cultural programme.

The successful conclusion of the series underscores the collaborative efforts of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in promoting cultural initiatives alongside the region's spiritual tourism. For Natrang, the production marks another significant contribution to bringing Jammu and Kashmir's artistic and cultural heritage to wider audiences.

With its final presentation, 'Mata Ki Kahani' concluded a successful run at Katra, reinforcing the place of theatre as an integral part of the Navratra celebrations.

The production was mounted by an accomplished team of artists, performers, technicians and designers. Neeraj Kant contributed to direction; sets were designed by Gaurav Angural, Bhavishya Aggarwal and Rahul Gupta; Rahul Singh, Pawan Verma, Mohd. Yaseen and Mahikshit Singh handled costumes and properties; Sunny Mujoo led the choreography; and Shivam Singh was responsible for light design.

The artists who featured in the show included Neeraj Kant, Sunny Mujoo, Kananpreet Kaur, Arya Sharma, Pallvi Sharma, Khushboo Pandita, Vani Thakur, Muskan Gupta, Sakshi Gupta, Shailja Singh, Jhanvi Biloria, Vanshika Manhas, Anshika Wazir, Damini Thakur, Aanya Sharma, Navya Sharma, Ridhima Devi, Sakshi Devi, Ishani Sharma, Shivangi, Kaashvi, Ishita Sharma, Keerti Sharma, Suneha Angural, Aryan Sharma, Sanket Bhagat, Krishna, Arun Dev Verma, Arun Sharma, Amit Rana, Narinder Verma, Sahil Narwalia, Palshin Dutta, Mihir Gujral, Radhika Khajuria, Kushal Bhat, Mitali Sharma, Bhoomi Sharma, Priyal Gupta, Lal Mohd., Arun Sagar, Krishay Bhatia and Aadesh Dhar.