Jhiri Mela begins in Jammu with grand inauguration by LG Manoj Sinha

Jammu, Nov 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha this morning inaugurated the 10-day annual Jhiri Mela which is being held every year in Jammu, marking the commencement of one of the largest spiritual gathering in the region. The event which is being organised jointly by the Directorate of Tourism and the District Administration is generally organised for paying tribute to 16th-century farmer saint Baba Jittoo, who sacrificed his life in protest against feudal exploitation at that time. The mela just like every year is expected to draw over 10 to 12 lakh devotees from Jammu, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and other parts of the country.

Authorities have made the reuqired arrangements for sanitation, health services, parking, power and water supply, with support from the Agriculture, Horticulture and Municipal Departments of J&K. The Agriculture Department during the mela will also raise awareness among farmers about new technologies and government schemes being launched and implemented by the GoI. Security has been intensified with deployment of J&K Police and Paramilitary Forces in and around the Mela. Devotees also visit Baba-da-Talab, a natural pond believed to have healing properties, located about a few kilometres from the Baba Jitto Shrine.