STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Directorate of Tourism, Jammu in collaboration with the district administration Jammu organized the Maha Shivratri Mela at Peer Kho Cave Temple.
The four-day festivities at Peer Kho Cave Temple commenced from February 14 to 17, 2026 with the blessings of Mahant Rajinder Nath of the temple, was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Yudhvir Sethi, MLA Jammu East and BJP J&K Vice President and former Minister Priya Sethi by lighting sacred Jyot along with Director Tourism Jammu Dr. Vikas Gupta, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Jammu Anusuya Jamwal, Deputy Director Tourism, Savita Chouhan, Shashi Khajuria (Coordinator, Peer Kho Temple), and other dignitaries.
In his address, Chief Guest Yudhvir Sethi underscored the profound significance of the Maha Shivratri Mahotsav, extending a heartfelt invitation to the public to join in the celebrations. He encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in the region’s rich cultural heritage and unite in promoting communal harmony and progress.
He emphasized the significance of such cultural and religious events in promoting Jammu & Kashmir’s rich heritage and boosting tourism and invited everyone to partake in the celebrations.
Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta also informed that the Tourism Department would organise multiple events during the four-day Mela, featuring cultural programs. Moreover, Indian-style wrestling matches would also be held during the Mela.
“The Maha Shivratri Mahotsav features a series of cultural events and religious ceremonies, offering an enriching experience for visitors. This event serves as a vibrant celebration of faith, culture and community, inviting people from all backgrounds to unite in devotion and festivity,” he added.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Ansuya Jamwal informed that the four-day religious and cultural event will feature devotional programmes, cultural performances and various departmental stalls to attract devotees and visitors from across the region.
“Artists from the Cultural Academy will present performances, while departments including Tourism and other government agencies will set up stalls showcasing cuisine, tourism promotion and public outreach initiatives. Religious performances and cultural programmes will also be organised on February 15 and 16, while a traditional wrestling event (dangal) is scheduled for February 17,” she said.
Mahant Rajinder Nath extended Maha Shivratri greetings to the people of Jammu and urged residents to visit the temple, seek blessings of Bhagwan Shiva and actively participate in the celebrations.
He also called upon devotees to maintain cleanliness during the Mela and support the campaign for a polythene-free environment at the venue.
