STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Raghav Langer on Monday inaugurated four-day Maha Shivratri Mela at Shiv Khori, Ransoo in district Reasi being organized by Directorate of Tourism, Jammu in collaboration with District Administration, Reasi and Shree Shiv Khori Shrine Board. Maha Shivratri, one of the most widely celebrated Hindu Festival is dedicated to the Worship of Lord Shiva.
Other dignitaries present were Saraf Singh Nag, DDC Chairman, Mohd. Suleman Choudhary, DIG, Babila Rakwal, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi (Vice Chairperson Shiv Khori Shrine Board) and Vivekanand Rai, IRS, Director Tourism, Jammu.
The inaugural function witnessed series of cultural programmes, including folk dances. 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 included 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 at Peer Kho was inaugurated by Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu in presence of Vivekanand Rai, Director Tourism, Jammu and Rattan Nath, Mehant Peer Kho, Jammu.
The four days 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.