Promises comprehensive growth of pilgrimage and surrounding regions
REASI, Feb 25: The annual three-day Shivkhori Mela, held in conjunction with the Maha Shivratri festival, commenced today at Ransoo, Reasi, radiating spiritual enthusiasm and joy.
The festival was officially launched by the Chief Guest, Member of Parliament Jammu-Samba-Reasi Jugal Kishore Sharma, alongside DDC Chairman Reasi Saraf Singh Nag, MLA Reasi Kuldeep Raj Dubey, MLA Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Baldev Raj Sharma, DDC Member Reeta, DDC Member Kewal Krishan, religious and community leaders, and a large number of devotees traveling from across the nation.
Deputy Commissioner Reasi Nidhi Malik warmly welcomed MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, guests, and devotees.
The inaugural ceremony kicked off with a splendid Shobha Yatra and Jhanki, starting from Tridev Hotel and moving towards Darshan Deodi, creating an atmosphere of devotion and celebration. The chief guest, along with other dignitaries, lit the traditional lamp, signifying the official opening of the mela. A lively cultural program followed, featuring folk dances, bhajans, and devotional songs, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Director Tourism Vikas Gupta; ADDC Sukhdev Samyal; SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh; EO SSKSB Pardeep Kumar; ACR Anshumali Sharma; AD Tourism and various government officials were also in attendance.
In his inaugural address, MP Jugal Kishore Sharma conveyed Maha Shivratri greetings to the public and commended the District Administration Reasi and Tourism Department for their thorough preparations for the visiting devotees. He appreciated the enthusiastic Jhanki procession and cultural performances, highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of the region.
The MP guaranteed the community of a holistic development approach, promising to expedite attention to local issues. He emphasized the necessity of incorporating Shivkhori into the PRASHAD scheme, which would ensure the all-encompassing development of the pilgrimage site and its surroundings. He reaffirmed the commitment of the union government, local administration, and all departments to work in unison to provide devotees with an optimal experience at the sacred shrine.
The Shivkhori Mela will span three days, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists, offering them a blend of spiritual enrichment, cultural immersion, and festive experiences.
