JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer who is also the chairman of Shiv Khori Shrine Board today inaugurated Maha Shivratri mela at Shiv Khori Reasi and Peerkhoo Jammu.
The festival events have been organised by Directorate of Tourism, Jammu to attract pilgrim tourists to these highly revered shrines of Jammu division.
Maha Shivratri, one of the most widely celebrated Hindu Festival is dedicated to the Worship of Lord Shiva.
The four day mela at Shivkhori, Ransoo is being organised in collaboration with District Administration, Reasi and Shree Shiv Khori Shrine Board. The Div Com inaugurated the Mela in presence of Saraf Singh Nag, DDC Chairman Reasi; Mohammad Suleman Choudhary, DIG; Babila Rakwal, Deputy Commissioner Reasi (Vice Chairperson Shiv Khori Shrine Board) in presence of Raghav Langer, and Vivekanand Rai, Director Tourism, Jammu.
The inaugural function was marked by a variety cultural program featuring folk music and dance. Others present at the function included Ambika Bali, ADT Katra and a large number of local and devotees.
Shivratri, also known as Herath holds special significance among Kashmiri Pandit community. Thousands of devotees pay obeisance to Lord Shiva at Peer kho based Jamwant Cave Shrine.
At Peer Kho Jammu, the Tourism Department along with District Administration, Jammu and Peer Kho Mandir Committee has made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the festival. The festival shall host a variety of programmes which inter alia include cultural events depicting, local folk dances organised through J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages, Local food stalls, Stalls of Industries and Commerce Department, Horticulture Department, Social Welfare Department, JKTDC, Red Cross Society etc.
The festival was inaugurated by Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Vivekanand Rai, Director Tourism Jammu in presence of Rattan Nath Ji, Mahant Peer Kho, Jammu.
Speaking on the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner congratulated devotees and also appreciated efforts of Tourism Department, local public representatives and Mahants for successfully organising of Maha Shivratri Festival.
Dr Langer said that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir is focusing on promotion and preservation of religious and cultural festivals.
He said that on the directions of Lieutenant Governor J&K Shri Manoj Sinha all the Deputy Commissioners in coordination with Department of Culture & Archives ,Tourism have identified several cultural, religious festivals which are being celebrated in the districts.
“The objective of the move is to preserve our rich culture, heritage for coming generations”, he added.
The four day programs at both the places shall include cultural performances including devotional songs/dances, dangal etc.
The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu hoped that the festival will usher the UT of Jammu & Kashmir in the era of peace and prosperity. He also took round of the Stalls which were put in place by different departments at the venue.
Natasha Kalsotra, Joint Director Tourism, Jammu, Naresh Kumar, Deputy Director Tourism, Jammu, Rahul Mahajan, Accounts Officer, besides prominent citizen from all works of life and senior officers of different departments were present on the occasion. A special audio campaign is also being run on all prominent F.M. Channels by the Tourism Department.
Also, temple complexes at Utterbehni and Purmandal were illuminated on the occasion to give the shrine a festive look.
