Dr. Banarsi Lal
In India various international level fairs and festivals are organized such as Mahakumb Mela, Pushkar Mela etc. which are attended by millions of tourists, traders and devotees across the globe. Union Territory of J&K is also famous for various fairs and festivals as they are the integral part of the people of J&K. In J&K various types of Melas are organised such as Jhiri Mela, Bahu Mela, Hemis Gompa Mela, Dera Baba Baisakhi Mela, Baba Jitto Mela, Moungri Mela, Sudhmahadev Mela etc. which attract thousands of people across the nation. Celebration of fairs and festivals in different parts of Jammu region indicates the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the province. These events add colour and vibrancy to the lives of the people of J&K. These fairs also help to showcase the rich culture of J&K at national and international level through folk songs and dances. These fairs and festivals are mostly organized near the sacred rivers and holy shrines. The celebration of such fairs and festivals help to unite the people from all the sections of society. These types of events help us to preserve and transmit our rich culture from generation to generation. Udhampur district of Union Territory of J&K is said to be the hub of religious spots. This district is blessed by lofty peaks, green meadows and dense forests on the hills. This district is blessed with numerous religious spots and every year thousands of devotees across the nation visit this district. Various religious places such as Sudhmahadev, Krimchi Temples, Man Talai, Pingla Devi Shrine, Ram Nagar Temples etc. are situated in this district. These places are of great religious importance. There are various other religious places in this district which are not frequently visited by the pilgrims but they can also attract more and more of devotees from far and wide. The scenic beauty of Udhampur district contains in itself various unfolded chapters of history of ancient civilizations. Udhampur distt. is visited by the pilgrims and tourists across the nation throughout the year.
Udhampur district of Union Territory of J&K is also known for various fairs and festivals. Sankri Mela is an important Mela in Udhampur district and thousands of devotees visit this spot during the Mela. Every year, this three days Mela is organized at Meer village in Panchari block with great enthusiasm. This place is a picturesque spot and situated in the midst of charming hills at Meer village in Panchari block of Udhampur district. This place is encircled by knolls, grandiose mountains and rich timberland. This place is connected with Udhampur town by the Pucca road. This year, this three days historical event will be commenced from of 15th of September. This will be concluded on 17th of September. This spot is about 35 Km away from Udhampur. This historical temple is believed to be more than 500 years old and has idols of deities of Shiva and Shakti. Large number of devotees visit this spot to seek the blessings of Baba Sankri. Various activities such as cultural programme, wrestling competition, festive ambience, ceremonial Pooja/Yatar, grand illumination of ambience etc. are organized during the event. During the Mela ,a dangal is organized in which the wrestlers from within and outside of UT take part and large number of people assemble there to watch them. The folk artists from Panchari and adjoining areas present folk songs and dance showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the area. The Vaans such as Dudana Vaan, Trishul, Gurj, Gungraal and other vaans are taken to the holy shrine and ceremonial Pooja/Yatar is performed in which various deities are invoked, their glory sung and their blessings are sought. Devotees from Udhampur, Moungri, Panchari, Chenani, Ram Nagar and other places of J&K and outside assemble at this spot and throng at Meer village during the Mela to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and other deities. Thousands of people from every nook and corner of Udhampur District and outside congregate in large number to take part in the Mela and have blessings of Sankri Devta. It is really a socio-religious event.
This Mela also attracts a large number of local artists and cultural artists from other parts of J&K, who present folk songs and dances such as Kud, Geetru, Bhaakh etc. and leave the visitors mesmerised. These artists give pleasure to the devotees. The local people of the area, wearing their cultural dresses move in groups at the Mela site with great happiness and anthuasiasm. It seems that one has come into a different world of happiness and devotion while attending the Mela. Department of Agriculture and other allied departments also establish their stalls to create awareness and educate the people about the various technologies and developmental schemes and programmes ongoing in the district. Various sports activities are also organised with the active participation of the players. An Indian style wrestling which is commonly called as Dangal is also organized during the event. Well known wrestlers from within and outside of J&K participate in the wrestling. This activity is attended by the people with greater enthusiasm and keenness. Local people of the area set up various kiosks of sweets, toys, bangles, edible items etc. and they generate extra income during the three days event. District Administration of Udhampur plays a significant role in the organisation of this event. District administration provides basic facilities to the pilgrims during the Mela. Drinking water, security and safety, electricity, sanitation, medical facilities etc. are provided by the district administration. A large number of devotees visit this spot every year during the Mela. This area needs more development and more attention is needed for the developmental activities of this spot. There is also need to construct more shelters for the pilgrims at the Mela site. This place has the potential to attract the tourists across the nation and can be constructed as a tourist’s hub if special focus is given on this area. More tourist huts and inns can also be constructed at this spot so that the tourists can stay here with pleasure. As this area has its own beauty so special view points can be constructed for the tourists. The agro-eco-tourism can be promoted in the area so that people of the area can increase their income and employment. Local culture of the area can be promoted as the area has its own heritage. This place is having cool climate and charming beauty so the Chinar and Deodar plantation can be promoted in the area. This area has an immense potential in saffron farming, floriculture and horticulture and the farmers of the area should be upgraded with the latest agricultural knowledge so that they can do the commercial farming and increase their income. Sankari Mela is a socio-religious event that brings together many people at this spot where devotees of Lord Shiva forget their caste, creed and language and share an experience of faith with full devotion. One feels that one has come to some other world far away from the din and noise of this noisy world. District administration provides security, safe drinking water, un-interrupted power supply, adequate provision of essential commodities, sanitation, transport, market checking, medical services, transport arrangements etc. to the devotees. We need to participate in Sankari Mela. Wide publicity of Mela through print and electronic media is also done well in advance so that more and more people participate in the event. The young generation of today remain glued to mobile phones, laptops, TVs etc. rather being a part of such types of socio- religious events. We all must be proud of our diverse and rich culture and we must spare our time from our hectic schedule to take part in such fairs and festivals. Parents should encourage their children to attend such events to realize the significance of such events and learn to respect, preserve and transmit our culture. Panchari, Sankri, Lander, Moungri and other beautiful sites of the area should be promoted as agro-eco-tourists spots to attract the people from urban areas.
(The writer is Head KVK,
Reasi SKUAST-J).
