UDHAMPUR, APRIL 13: Chairperson District Development Council Udhampur, Lal Chand alongside Member Legislative Assembly Udhampur West Pawan Kumar Gupta and Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai today inaugurated the three-day Baisakhi mela on the banks of the holy Devika rivulet in Udhampur town.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh, District Information Officer Rajinder Digra, Tehsildar Udhampur Jai Singh along with officers from other departments, representatives of political and social organizations and prominent citizens were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairperson DDC extended warm greetings and best wishes to the people on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi. He expressed hope that the festival would bring peace, prosperity and harmony to the Union Territory.
Highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the Mela, he said that the sacred Devika Ghat holds a special place in the hearts of the people, drawing devotees from all walks of life to take a holy dip in the Devika rivulet during the Mela.
The Chairperson DDC emphasized that such traditional Melas foster communal harmony by bringing together people from diverse religions, communities and regions, thereby strengthening the social fabric.
The DDC Chairperson, MLA Udhampur West and DC Udhampur also inaugurated a water cooler and participated in a tree plantation drive within the premises of Devika Ghat.
To ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the Mela, the district administration has made elaborate arrangements including uninterrupted power supply, safe drinking water, sanitation, medicare, a joint control room, assistance booths and comprehensive security arrangements. Several departments have also set up stalls to create awareness among the public about different government welfare schemes and initiatives.
Adding to the festive spirit, numerous temporary sweet shops, toy stalls and food corners set up by local as well as outside vendors have become a major attraction for the visitors.
The Chairperson DDC, accompanied by MLA Udhampur West and DC, took a detailed tour of the venue and inspected the departmental stalls set up for public awareness.
In the evening, the District Information Centre Udhampur organized a vibrant cultural programme to mark the first day of the historic Mela.
The Chairperson DDC Udhampur was the chief guest at the event. A large number of people enjoyed the cultural extravaganza, which included enthralling Dogri music and folk dance performances by local artists and students from various educational institutions.
Later, the chief guest presented appreciation certificates to the participants in recognition of their contributions to the event.
