In a time when the relentless pace of modern life often sidelines indigenous cultural expressions, the Annual Baba Aghar Jitto Mela in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir emerges as a beacon of heritage preservation and grassroots community engagement. The three-day celebration, recently inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Malik at the scenic village of Aghar Jitto near Katra, is far more than a traditional religious gathering. It is a living testament to the enduring spirit of a community rooted in history, faith, and collective identity. What sets this mela apart is its seamless blend of spiritual reverence, cultural expression, and socio-economic outreach—a model worth emulating across the region and beyond.
The Mela draws its inspiration from the legendary figure of Baba Aghar Jitto, a 15th-century peasant saint revered for his sacrifice and resistance against injustice. His story, emblematic of agrarian struggles and the dignity of labour, continues to resonate deeply with farming communities and spiritual seekers alike. The annual celebration, thus, is not merely an occasion for festivity but a reaffirmation of shared values and a tribute to the agrarian ethos that forms the bedrock of this region’s identity. Through vibrant cultural performances, devotional rituals, and storytelling by local artists and students, the Mela breathes new life into folklore and brings generations together in collective remembrance. However, the Baba Aghar Jitto Mela is not anchored in the past alone. Its evolving format now includes an impressive array of government-run stalls and awareness programmes that aim to bring governance closer to the people. Departments such as Health, Horticulture, Handicrafts, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Social Welfare have established their presence at the venue, offering both informative displays and on-the-spot services. This confluence of tradition and public service turns the event into a functional bridge between rural citizens and government institutions, reflecting a vision of participatory governance and inclusive development. The addition of initiatives like the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan underlines the mela’s role as a platform for agricultural empowerment. Farmers attending the fair are exposed to new technologies, innovative practices, and direct access to schemes tailored to their needs. These sessions, led by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Reasi and allied departments, demonstrate how spiritual and cultural congregations can also serve as strategic touchpoints for economic upliftment. This interplay of faith and progress presents a persuasive case for integrating traditional festivals into contemporary policy planning—particularly in rural and semi-urban regions. It is equally important to recognize the administrative foresight and community involvement that sustain such events. The meticulous arrangements made by the district administration, in coordination with the Mandir Committee and local stakeholders, reflect a shared commitment to preserving the integrity of the event while ensuring public safety and comfort. The presence of senior officials, elected representatives, and law enforcement agencies not only reinforces the importance of the mela in the public imagination but also highlights the state’s role as a custodian of cultural assets. The Baba Aghar Jitto Mela thus emerges as a compelling case study in cultural sustainability. In a global context where indigenous traditions are at risk of erosion, events like this offer a counter-narrative—one that honors the past while embracing the future. They provide communities with a sense of continuity and pride, while also creating new opportunities for learning, networking, and development. The inclusion of a traditional wrestling competition on the concluding day adds another dimension to the event, showcasing how local sports and physical traditions also play a role in preserving identity and fostering social bonds.
As Jammu and Kashmir navigates a new chapter in its socio-political journey, the emphasis on cultural resilience becomes more vital than ever. The Annual Baba Aghar Jitto Mela reminds us that culture is not a relic to be preserved in isolation but a dynamic force that, when nurtured, can drive community cohesion, economic development, and participatory governance. This event stands as a testament to what can be achieved when administrative will aligns with community spirit. It is a celebration not only of a saint’s legacy but also of a region’s determination to keep its roots alive while reaching toward a more inclusive and vibrant future.
-From the Bold News Editorial Desk