Information Deptt organises awareness based cultural bonanza

Udhampur : The 22nd annual Maha Shivratri-cum-Rural awareness Mela was Tuesday organized here at Khoon village of Tehsil Majalta (Udhampur).
Thousands of people thronged the ancient Khooneshwar Aap Shambu Temple to be part of the congregation held amid the spiritual ambience of the ancient shrine.
The religious Gramin-Kisan Mela was organized by the Destitute and Handicapped Welfare Association (DAHWA), on the eve of Mahshivratri. The devotees in thousands paid obeisance at the historic ancient temple to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.
Tehsildar Majalta, Uttam Pulsar, was the chief guest while former Legislature, R S Pathania and Station House Officer, Virender Gupta were the guests of honour on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Tehsildar appreciated DAHWA Gramin Mela Committee for organizing this pro-people event for the last over 18 years.
While greeting the people on the eve of Shivratri, he appreciated the efforts of DAHWA for organizing this annual festival and said such events help in generating awareness and seeking involvement of village community in various initiatives designed by the government for their welfare.
He said such Melas symbolize unity in diversity and provide a common platform to the people to share culture and traditions, which further help in strengthening the bond of brotherhood and communal harmony.
Lauding the enthusiasm among the participants at the annual feature, Chairman of DAHWA and founder of Mela, Surat Singh Sumbria said the event aims at generating awareness among the rural masses about the government schemes meant for their socio-economic emancipation.
Sumbria expressed gratitude to Deputy Commissioner Udhampur for extending cooperation in making this festival a grand success. He urged upon the government to observe this annual Maha Shivratri festival officially in view of its popularity and importance for the area. He said that it will go a long way in satiating the religious aspirations of the devotees, as infrastructural development will give rise to the influx of pilgrim tourists giving a big fillip to economic activity in the area.
District administration, Udhampur had made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the Mela viz uninterrupted power, safe drinking water, sanitation, medicare and security.
On the occasion, a scintillating cultural programme featuring folk music, folk dances and Dogri songs, was presented by the artists of Information Department Udhampur and Cultural wing, DIPR Jammu besides the local artists on theme like Shiv Parvati Vihaw & Bhajans devoted to Lord Shiva.
Renowned artists Ram Ditta and party also presented cultural items which were highly applauded and received repeated applause from the audience.
Among others, Sarpanchs, Panchs, prominent citizens and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion