Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, Feb 4: The historic three-day Maha Shivratri Mela at Shiv Khori, the famous cave shrine of Lord Shiva nested in Shivalik hills, is commencing from February 16.
This was disclosed by District Development Commissioner Reasi-Sushma Chauhan, who convened a meeting of officers to discuss the arrangements for the smooth conduct of the mela here on Wednesday.
Additional Deputy Commissioner-Shiv Kumar Gupta informed in the meeting that the three day festival would commence at Shiv Khori (Ransoo), with Jhankhis which will start from Tourist Reception Centre, Ransoo and culminate at Darshani Deodi depicting various aspects of Lord Shiva. Cultural programmes, devotional songs, dances and Dangal are major attractions of the festival. Government departments would install stalls besides langers would also arranged by religious organizations of Ransoo and adjoining areas for devotees coming from within and outside the state.
DDC issued specific instructions to Police and Traffic departments to ensure foolproof security and traffic arrangements so that the devotees do not face any inconvenience during the festival. Similarly, PDD and PHE were asked to ensure un- interrupted power and water supply during the festival and repair the defunct lights especially enroute cave.
The Information Department was asked to give wide publicity of the event through print and electronic media besides arranging Public Address System (PAS).
ARTO was directed to arrange sufficient number of buses for transportation of pilgrims. The Rural Development Department would ensure face-lifting of shrine besides R&B (PWD) was asked to start repair work of dilapidated approach roads. The Tourism Department would display flex/hoardings at prominent places in Jammu, Katra, and Reasi etc with a contact number for information of general public.
The meeting also deliberated upon other issues like night halt of pilgrims, regulation of yatries, langer etc. DDC stressed for massive involvement of local volunteers so that the Maha Shavratri festival would be celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor.
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