UDHAMPUR, MAY 15: The three-day historical Annual Shiv Parvati Mela commenced today at Sar Dabbar in Block Moungri of Udhampur district with traditional religious fervour and enthusiasm.
The mela was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa in the presence of Senior Superintendent of Police Amrit Pal Singh; local Tehsildar Arushi Sabharwal, District Officers and a large gathering of local residents and devotees.
A large number of pilgrims and visitors thronged Sar Dabbar on the first day of the mela. Devotees visited the revered Shiv-Parvati Cave Shrine to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner congratulated the mela committee for organizing the grand annual event. He observed that such traditional melas play a significant role in promoting communal harmony and strengthening the spirit of unity by bringing together people from different religions, communities and regions on a common platform.
The DC also appreciated the enthusiastic participation of local students in cultural and sports activities and extended his best wishes for their future endeavours. He further sensitized the participants about the upcoming Census exercise and appealed to the public to actively support the ongoing 100 Days Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan campaign aimed at eradicating drug abuse from society.
The devotees and visitors from Bhomag, Panchari, Udhampur, Chenani and Ramnagar areas of Udhampur district, besides Reasi, Ramban and Jammu districts, converge at the shrine every year to celebrate the mela and pay obeisance at the naturally formed Shiv-Parvati Cave Shrine.
Numerous temporary sweet stalls, toy shops and eateries set up by local traders and outside vendors remained a major attraction for the visitors at the mela site.
The District Administration has put in place adequate arrangements for security, transportation, medical facilities, drinking water and uninterrupted power supply to ensure the smooth conduct of the mela.
Various sports activities were also organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Udhampur witnessing enthusiastic participation from local youth.
Adding colour and vibrancy to the celebrations, artists from the Information Department, local performers and students from different educational institutions presented scintillating cultural performances on the inaugural day, which were highly appreciated by the audience.