DAHWA holds annual Shivratri-cum-rural awareness mela at Khooneshwar Shiv temple

Jammu, Feb 18: Destitute And Handicapped Welfare Association (DAHWA) on Saturday organized the 23rd annual Maha Shivratri-cum-Rural awareness mela at the Khooneshwar Shiv temple, Khoon in Majalta tehsil of Udhampur district. Thousands of people thronged the ancient Aap Shambu Temple to be part of the congregation held amid the spiritual ambiance of the revered shrine.
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. Mahant Surat Giri inaugurated the mela in presence of Founder President DAHWA, Surat Singh Sumbria, Station House Officer and prominent citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries appreciated DAHWA Gramin Mela Committee for organizing this pro-people event for the past 22 years. They said the event has immensely helped the rural populace avail the 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 the involvement of the village community in various initiatives designed by the government for their welfare.
Lauding the enthusiasm among the participants at the annual feature, the Chairman of 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 for extending cooperation in making this festival a grand success. He urged 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, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Jammu and District Information Center, Udhampur besides the local artists on themes like Shiv Parvati Vihaw and Bhajans devoted to Lord Shiva besides awareness oriented events. Among others, Sarpanchs, Panchs, prominent citizens and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion.