Thousands throng Shivgali Top Mela in Dudu

Shivgali Top Mela in progress in Dudu area of Udhampur on Tuesday.
Shivgali Top Mela in progress in Dudu area of Udhampur on Tuesday.

Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, June 28: Thousands of people from  Udhampur, Ramnagar, Chenani, Bhaderwah and Dudu-Basantgarh  area thronged Top Shivgali temple of Mata Chandi where annual Mela was organised today.
Holy Chharri of Mata Chandi from Bhaderwah alongwith a large number of devotees led by head priest  of the temple, reached historic temple of Mata Chandi at Top Shivgali, located  at a mountain pass surrounded by thick forests of Deodar in Dudu today.  The Chharri  Yatra from  Bhaderwah reached picturesque  Dudu town on June 26 and next  day had stayed at Upper Balota where Jagrata of Mata Chandi was held throughout the night.
Today, Holy mace (Charri) reached the temple at Shivgali Top and people offered special prayers.  A  large Langar was also organised by the Management Committee of the Temple/ Yatra at the site. After special prayers at the temple, Holy Chharri  reached Dudu  town this evening and after taking night halt, will leave for Bhaderwah tomorrow morning. A grand mela  was organised  at the Shivgali Top like every year. Several stalls of  sweets, toys, Maniyari items,  fruits and other eatables were established  at the site.
Main attraction at the Mela was Bhaderwahi Kud performed by local artists and  Pahari and Bhaderwahi songs presented by the locals. The local administration had made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of  Yatra and the annual Mela.
Dudu is a unique upcoming tourist spot of district Udhampur brought under Patnitop Development Authority (PDA) in the recent past. Fascinating scenic beauty and unique weather of  Shivgali (Dudu) attracts thousands of nature lovers and tourists to this area.