UDHAMPUR, MARCH 8: The Destitute And Handicapped Welfare Association (DAHWA), in collaboration with district administration, Udhampur, today organized the 27th annual Maha Shivratri-cum-rural awareness mela at Khooneshwar Shiv temple, Khoon in Majalta tehsil of the district.
Thousands of people thronged the ancient Aap Shambu Temple to be part of the congregation held amid spiritual ambience of the revered shrine.
On the occasion, the government departments including Agriculture, Health, Veterinary and others established their stalls to educate the farmers regarding their respective schemes. They spoke in length about the procedure and requirements for availing the benefit of these ambitious schemes.
The Agriculture department distributed free seeds among the farmers besides the Health department facilitated the rural participants with free healthcare check up.
The religious Gramin-Kisan mela was organized by DAHWA, on the eve of Mahshivratri which witnessed a good participation of devotees who thronged the event and paid obeisance at the historic ancient temple to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.
Founder President DAHWA, Surat Singh Sumbria, inaugurated the mela which was among others attended by government officials and prominent citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, the speakers appreciated DAHWA for organizing this pro-people event since the past over 27 years. They said the event has immensely helped the rural populace avail benefit of various government schemes thus expanding the coverage of beneficiaries.
They lauded the efforts of DAHWA for organizing this annual festival saying that such events help in generating awareness and seeking involvement of village community in various initiatives designed by the government for their welfare.
Lauding the enthusiasm among the participants at the annual feature, Chairman DAHWA and founder of Mela, Surat Singh Sumbria, said the event aims at generating awareness among the rural masses about the government schemes meant for their socio-economic emancipation.
Sumbria expressed gratitude to all stakeholders especially Deputy Commissioner Udhampur and all departments for extending cooperation in making this festival a grand success. He urged upon the government to observe this annual Maha Shivratri festival officially in view of its popularity and importance for the area. He said that it will go a long way in satiating the religious aspirations of the devotees, as infrastructural development will give rise to the influx of pilgrim tourists giving a big fillip to economic activity in the area.
On the occasion, a scintillating cultural bonanza featuring folk music, folk dances and Dogri songs, was presented by the artists of Cultural Wing, District Information Center, Udhampur besides renowned Ram Ditta party and other local artists on themes like Shiv Parvati Vihaw and Bhajans devoted to Lord Shiva besides awareness oriented events on government schemes.
Among others present were former PRI members including Chain Singh, Romesh Chander and others besides prominent citizens and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion.
