In Jammu and Kashmir, the three-day historic Sankri Devta Mela commenced at village Meer in Block Panchari of the Udhampur district today. Akashvani Correspondent reports that the annual three-day religious festival, associated with the centuries-old Sankri Devta Temple, is expected to draw thousands of devotees from across the region.
The Sankri Devta Temple is located about 33 km from Udhampur in village Meer, en route to Pancheri block. The temple, which is believed to be more than 500 years old has idols of deities which are known to be of Shiva and Shakti. The famous Sankri Devta Mela is organised in September every year, during which a huge number of people participate and take the blessings of Baba Sankri. During the Mela, the atmosphere remains filled with enthusiasm, festivity, and exuberance, with people singing local folk songs and chanting bhajans. The mela will feature cultural programmes, local folk performances and a traditional wrestling competition, along with stalls set up by various government departments.
On the first day of the Mela, a dangal is being organised in which wrestlers from within and outside the UT take part. Besides, the youth services and sports department will organise various rural sports activities throughout the mela. The folk artists of Panchari and other adjoining regions will present folk songs and folk dances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Jammu region. On the concluding day, the Vaans such as DudanaVaan, Trishul, Gungraal, Gurj, and other Vaans are taken to the holy shrine, and ceremonial Pooja/Jaatar is performed, in which various Deities are invoked, their glory is sung, and their blessings sought. Prasad is also distributed to the devotees on this occasion.
The Udhampur district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the event. The mela committee has appealed to the people to participate in the historic celebrations in large numbers, seek the blessings of Baba Sankri, and experience the region’s rich faith and traditions. Deputy Commissioner Udhampur has emphasised the importance of seamless collaboration among all district officers to provide all basic facilities to the people and urged the local mela committee members to actively participate in ensuring the event’s grand success, recognising the significance of public involvement in bolstering tourism and the local economy.
