Thousands of devotees pay obeisance at Subar Nag Temple
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 13: Baisakhi celebrations commenced from Balidan Stambh to Bagh-e-Bahu and at historic Ramleela Ground in Bani area of District Kathua, today.
As part of three day long ‘Baisakhi Celebrations’, Directorate of Tourism, Jammu organized a cultural carnival from Balidan Stambh to Bagh-e-Bahu.
A cultural carnival of ethnically dressed artists was flagged off from Balidan Stambh to Bagh-e-Bahu by the chief guest Rigzin Samphael, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism Department.
The procession culminated at Bagh-e-Bahu, where a cultural programme was organized by the department. The energetic performances elevated and spurred the aura and glee of the festivity while representing the cultural ethos of the region.
In order to recognize the contribution of the Jammuites towards the promotion of tourism in the State, they were honoured by the department. The awardees included Ram Singh (Everester), Jugraj and team (Bikers Brotherhood India), Akershit Pathak, Akash Bhat, Rajveer Singh, Raman Kumar (State Champions, Mountain Terrain Bikers) and Shailesh Kabu (Food Blogger).
The festival was attended by Nagendra Singh Jamwal, CEO Mansar-Surinsar Development Authority, Ansuya Jamwal, Deputy Director Tourism Publicity, Dr Umesh Shan, AD Tourism Katra, Sheena Sahni, AD Tourism Jammu and other office bearers. A large number of prominent citizens as well as tourists were also present on the occasion,
Meanwhile, Baisakhi festival commenced at historic Ramleela Ground in Bani, District Kathua. Organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Sub-Office Kathua in collaboration with Baishaki Mela Samati, Bani, the festival featuring more than 100 traditional artists will culminate tomorrow.
Joginder Singh Jasrotia, Sub Divisional Magistrate was the chief guest on the occasion where as Tehsildar Bani was the guest of honor. Sanjeev Gupta, SOCA was also present on the occasion.
The programme started with the vibrant singing of Yudhister Gupta and party, Narinder Lalhal and Ajit Singh and Party, who made everyone spellbound with their mesmerizing singing. The programme was culminated by the sensational dance performances by the local traditional artists.
Meanwhile, to highlight their age old tradition, people of Bhaderwah celebrated Subar Dhar Mela as a prelude to Baisakhi Festival, a symbol of Nag Culture in mountainous Bhaderwah Valley with full religious fervor and gaiety.
Thousands of devotees paid obeisance at ancient Subar Nag Temple located at a height of 12,000 feet from sea level, the doors (Kewaar) of which were opened on the eve of pre Baisakhi Festival celebration.
According to reports, a total of 15,000 devotees had darshan at the ancient temple including 8,500 women and 6,500 men devotees.
The Holy Mace (Charri Mubarak) from Chinta, Shourara and Bhalara reached the Temple in the afternoon after which people started celebrating Baisakhi festival with traditional Dekhu dance. Community food (langar) was served to all the devotees by the volunteers of Chinta Village beside administration had made adequate security arrangements for the safety of devotees.
Meanwhile, a priest died on the way to Subar Nag Temple in the morning.
According to SHO Bhaderwah Inspector Munir Khan, “One priest of Charri Yatra from Himote to Subar Nag temple identified as Bodh Raj (70), son of Nand Lal, a resident of Himote, Tehsil Bhaderwah died on the way to Subar Nag Temple at Sat Dalla at about 1100 am due heart attack”.
After completing medical and legal formalities the body has been handed over to legal heirs for last rites, SHO said, adding that cognizance in this regard has been taken by Bhaderwah Police.
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