| Jhiri mela begins, over 50,000 perform darshan | | | Avinash Azad
Jammu, Nov 17 : One of the biggest congregations of north India, the annual Jhiri Fair, also known as farmers' festival has been officially started today, meanwhile around 50,000 devotees across India have performed Darshan took holy dip till today evening. Official sources said that all arrangements have been finalised to serve better services among the devotees. "More than 500 police personnel have been deployed to provide security fence about 525 kanal of land in the Jhiri. More than two hundred sanitary units have also been established, vis-a-vis CAPD department is distributing ration those who have reached here in advanced on subsidised rate," he added. Due to the huge gathering at 10 days long Jhiri Fair, the district administration has all set to extend better services among the devotees, vis a vis security arrangements have been tighten.
Though, annual the fair is being held to commemorate the martyrdom of Baba Jitto, who fought against the exploitation of farmers for years. A large number of devotees visit the village to pay obeisance at the shrine of Baba Jitmal "Jitto" every year. A large number of devotees, especially from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, thronged the village on the first day every year. Similarly, this year a huge rush of people was witnessed on Saturday.
Being the biggest fair of the state, it would commence today and last till November 25. A large number of devotees were expected to come to pay obeisance at the shrine of Baba Jitmal "Jitto" on the holy bath day. The holy pond known as "Babe-da-Talab", which is said to have powers to cure skin diseases, was also empty. Various stalls at Jhiri have also been established, besides circus, magic shows and swings are also being installed. However, all possible arrangements were made by the District administration and police to ensure a smooth flow of traffic, as last year huge traffic jams were witnessed on the first day of the fair.
A senior police official said that security has been tightened for the smooth functioning of fair. "Police has all set to maintain law and order during the fair. Temple's adjoining area has be covered with Concertina fencing wire, we have also started patrolling the adjoining localities, all measures are being taken avoid any untoward incidents", sources added. |
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