Ashok Sharma
ashoksharma23may@gmail.com
Fairs and melas have, for centuries, formed the vibrant heartbeat of India’s socio-cultural and religious life. Across the country, from the grandeur of the Kumbh Mela to the rustic charm of the Pushkar Mela, the Sonepur Mela and the sacred Gangasagar Mela, these gatherings draw millions of devotees, traders, tourists and artists every year. These melas are living embodiments of tradition, faith and community bonding.
Jammu & Kashmir, too, carries forward this rich legacy with pride. The region hosts numerous fairs such as the Jhiri Mela, Bahu Mela, Bhaderwah Mela and Baisakhi celebrations across various districts. These fairs reflect the composite cultural heritage of the Dogra land and offer a colourful escape from the monotony of everyday life. Among these, one mela that stands out for its religious significance, natural beauty and cultural richness is the annual Shiv–Parvati Mela at Moungri in district Udhampur.
(May 15–17, 2026)
Celebrated annually in the month of Jyeshth, usually around mid-May, the Shiv–Parvati Mela is a three-day religious and cultural extravaganza. This year, it is scheduled from May 15 to May 17, 2026, at Sar Dabbar (Kalsote), located approximately 51 kilometers from Udhampur town. Nestled amidst towering mountains and lush greenery, the mela site lies at the confluence of two streams, offering a setting of unmatched natural beauty and tranquility.The word ‘Sar’ denotes a lake and it is believed that this area was once a water body that gradually dried up, leaving behind a vast stretch of plain land known as ‘Dabbar.’ Today, this serene landscape transforms into a vibrant hub of devotion and celebration during the mela.
Thousands of devotees from Moungri, Panchari, Udhampur and beyond converge at this sacred place to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The focal point of devotion is a natural cave shrine housing a nine-and-a-half-foot tall Shivling, believed to be self-manifested and guarded by Sheshnag. The cave also contains stone formations resembling sacred symbols such as Damru and Nandi, enhancing its spiritual aura.
The mela is organised with great religious fervour under the supervision of the local administration, with the Tehsildar of Moungri acting as the Mela Officer. The event begins with a Shiv Trishul Yatra, ceremoniously flagged off by dignitaries, setting a devotional tone for the days ahead.Pilgrims, dressed in colourful traditional attire, trek across hills and streams—often carrying children on their shoulders—to reach the shrine. The air resonates with chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev,’ and ‘Jai Bhole Shankar,’ creating an atmosphere charged with spiritual energy.
A free langar (community kitchen) is arranged at the cave for devotees, which symbolises the spirit of service and equality. Government departments also set up awareness stalls to educate people about various welfare schemes, blending devotion with development.
Beyond its religious significance, the Shiv–Parvati Mela serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Dogra region. Folk artists and cultural troupes from different parts of Jammu & Kashmir gather here to perform traditional forms such as Kud, Geetru, Bhakhan and folk songs, captivating audiences with their rhythm and authenticity.Students from the neighbouring schools also participate in cultural,sports and fun activities,which add to the colourfulness of the Mela.
The mela becomes a visual and auditory delight, with people dancing to folk tunes, wearing colourful attire and celebrating life in its purest form. It offers a rare opportunity to witness traditions that have been passed down through generations, keeping the cultural identity of the region alive.
The mela is not limited to religious and cultural activities—it is also a hub of sports, trade and social interaction. Traditional sports such as Kabaddi, tug of war and stone lifting are organised with enthusiastic participation, especially from the youth.
One of the major highlights is the ‘Moungri Kesri Dangal’ an Indian-style wrestling competition held on the concluding day,under the patronage of Shiv Kumar Sharma, Patron in Chief Lord Shiv Parvati Caves ( Moungri) Shrine Development Board and President J& K Indian Style Wrestling Association. This Dangal features renowned wrestlers from across the region and beyond. Organised with the support of various departments and associations, the Dangal draws large crowds and celebrates the region’s deep-rooted wrestling tradition.
Temporary stalls selling sweets, bangles, toys and local food items line the mela grounds, creating a lively marketplace. Artisans and craftsmen also get an opportunity to display and sell their handmade products, thereby contributing to the local economy.Interestingly, permission to set up stalls is granted through a unique system—vendors donate a nominal fee of ?200 to the Indian Red Cross Society and receive a receipt that serves as their permit.
The District Administration of Udhampur plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the mela.A meeting ,in advance, is organised for the successful organisation of the mela. Special bus services are arranged to handle the influx of visitors and essential facilities such as drinking water, electricity, sanitation and security are meticulously managed.A dedicated committee oversees the arrangements, ensuring that pilgrims and visitors face no inconvenience.
While the Shiv–Parvati Mela continues to grow in popularity, there is an increasing need to develop the region as a sustainable tourist destination. Local leaders and stakeholders have emphasized the importance of improving infrastructure, including road connectivity, power supply, sanitation facilities and accommodation options.There have been proposals to construct tourist huts, youth hostels, shelters and recreational parks to enhance visitor experience. The development of viewpoints, trekking routes and an artificial lake could further boost tourism and create livelihood opportunities for locals.
Swatantra Dev Kotwal and Hans Raj Thakur respectively Chairman and the President of Lord Shiv -Parvati Caves ( Moungri ) Shrine Development Board assert that the region’s pleasant climate,being similar to that of Kashmir Valley, there is immense potential for floriculture and horticulture. Awareness programmes and government support could help local farmers diversify into these sectors, strengthening the rural economy.Adventure tourism is another promising avenue, with trekking routes such as Moungri to Mantalai already attracting enthusiasts. With proper promotion and infrastructure, Moungri and Panchari could emerge as key destinations for eco-tourism.They also pleaded for development of an artificial lake at Sar Dabbar to harness the natural water and boost tourism in this region.
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, traditional gatherings like the Shiv–Parvati Mela face the challenge of dwindling participation, especially among the youth. With increasing dependence on digital devices, many are drifting away from cultural roots.However, such melas play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting heritage to future generations. They offer children and young people a chance to experience rural life, understand traditions and connect with their cultural identity.
The Shiv–Parvati Mela at Moungri,besides being a religious event, is a celebration of life, culture and community. It brings together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering unity, brotherhood and harmony. It preserves age-old traditions while also providing economic opportunities and promoting social awareness.
As the mela continues to grow in scale and significance, it is imperative to balance development with preservation. With thoughtful planning and community participation, Moungri can evolve into a prominent rural tourism destination without losing its cultural essence.In a world increasingly driven by speed and technology, such melas remind us to pause, reconnect and celebrate the simple joys of life. They are a testament to India’s enduring cultural richness and a call to cherish and protect our heritage.
(The writer is Sr.Lect ( Retd) from SED, Govt.of J&K)
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