Jhiri draws huge crowd as Div Com inaugurates week-long annual fair

Jammu, Nov 27: Jhiri village Monday drew a massive crowd of devotees from across the country to pay obeisance at the Baba Jitto and Bua Kouri Devsthan and take a holy dip in the Baba-Da-Talab (pond) there as a week-long fair commenced at a festive note.

The congregation is organised every year in the memory of Baba Jitto, a farmer saint who sacrificed his life five centuries ago in protest against a landlord's oppressive demands. His daughter Bua Kouri, according to the legend, took her life by jumping on her father’s funeral pyre.

Thousands of devotees from different parts of India, mainly Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh participate in the annual fair to commemorate the sacrifice of Baba Jitto; seek pardon for their sins and also take a dip in the temple pond, which they believe, has power to cure skin ailments as well.

Amid a grand ceremony, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar this morning inaugurated the week-long fair.

He said that anticipating the huge rush, the government made elaborate arrangements to provide the visitors a memorable experience.

“The Jhiri Mela 2023 promises a week filled with cultural, religious, and traditional festivities, uniting communities and celebrating the legacy of Baba Jitto,” he said.

After paying obeisance at the Baba Jitto and Bua Kouri Devsthan, the Div Com, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Vaishya along with other dignitaries, inaugurated departmental stalls and exhibitions showcasing different government schemes, particularly those for farmers.

The focal point of the day was the traditional Dangal competition organized by the Mela Management Committee, featuring professional wrestlers from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and different parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Div Com commended the Jhiri Mela Management Committee and the district administration for meticulous arrangements, ensuring the successful conduct of the Jhiri Mela.

DDC member Marh, Balbir Chand; BDC chairman Marh, Surinder Bhagat; SSP Jammu, Vinod Kumar; SSP Traffic, Fiesel Qureshi; SDM Marh, Manu Hans; officers of Tourism, and local Sarpanches too participated in the inaugural ceremony.