Srinagar, Nov 3 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday inaugurated the annual Jhiri Mela at Marh Sub-Division in Jammu and paid obeisance at the shrines of Baba Jitto and Bua Kouri.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor dedicated a Yatri Community Hall and four modular bus stops to the public and also laid the foundation stone for the first indoor sports complex in Marh, built under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Addressing the gathering, LG Sinha urged people to draw inspiration from the life and teachings of 16th-century farmer-saint Baba Jitto, who stood for equality and selfless service. “Together, we can build a strong, secure, prosperous, and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Lt Governor appealed to citizens to follow the path of service and contribute to creating a fair and inclusive society as envisioned by Baba Jitto.
In a post on social media platform X, LG Sinha wrote: “Today, I inaugurated the annual Jhiri Mela at Marh in Jammu, paid tributes to Baba Jitto and Bua Kouri, dedicated a Yatri Community Hall and four modular bus stops to the public, and laid the foundation for the first indoor sports complex under CSR. Let us all follow Baba Jitto’s ideals of equality and service.”
Thousands of devotees and farmers from Jammu, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana have already arrived to participate in the fair, which will continue from November 4 to 13. The event is being jointly organized by the Directorate of Tourism and the district administration.
Officials said departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Jammu Municipal Corporation are jointly ensuring arrangements for sanitation, healthcare, parking, electricity, and water supply.
The Agriculture Department’s participation also serves as a tribute to Baba Jitto’s legacy, providing a vital platform for farmers to share knowledge, explore modern technologies, and connect with government schemes.
Security has been tightened with deployment of police and paramilitary personnel to ensure smooth conduct of the fair.
Baba Jitto, a humble farmer, is revered for sacrificing his life while resisting the exploitation of an oppressive landlord. His daughter, Bua Kouri, is remembered for ending her life in devotion and grief at his funeral. Devotees also take a traditional dip in Baba Da Talab, a natural pond located about four kilometers from the temple, believed to have healing properties.(KNS)
