Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Ajay Nanda who was chief guest on the occasion inaugurated three days Shiv Khori Mela at Ransoo here today.District Development Commissioner Reasi (Vice Chairperson SSKSB), Ravinder Kumar, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Varinder Sharma, SSP Reasi Tahir Bhat, AD Tourism Umesh Shan, Executive Officer SSKSB Om Parkash, civil and police officers besides huge gathering turned out from different regions were present on the occasion.The traditional festival is being organized jointly by Tourism Department, Shiv Khori Shrine Board and District Administration Reasi.While congratulating local people and devotees on the occasion, the Minister said that all out efforts are being made by the Government to promote tourism in Reasi district. He also enlisted names of some places like Baba Jitto mandir, Baba Dhansar, Siyar Baba, Shiv Gufa at Salal, Bhim Garh fort, rafting at Bara dari etc and said that these sites owe huge potential for attracting tourists apart from Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. He assured for creating necessary infrastructure at Shiv Khori and other heritage spots in the district to give impetus to the tourism sector. Calling Shiv Khori shrine second important religious site in the state, the Minister said that different projects like running of cable Car and live Aarti shall be started soon at the shrine to make it most wanted religious place in the country.
He appealed to the people to ensure maximum mass participation in this mega event to seek blessings of Lord Shiva at Shiv khori shrine. He also felt satisfaction over the arrangements put in place by different departments for smooth organization of the event.Earlier, the DDC, in his welcome address said that District Administration has made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the Mela as well as for comfortable stay of pilgrims at Ransoo. On the inaugural function, popular Shoba Yatra popularly known as Shiv Barat was also taken out from Hotel New Tridev to Darshani Deodi where the chief guest inaugurated the main event followed by inspection of stalls set up by various departments for highlighting welfare schemes.The tourism department presented colorful cultural programme with the help of artists from Art and Cultural Academy Jammu to enthrall the audience and devotees. Local people and students also recited poems and presented skits and traditional song items. Later, the chief guest along with other dignitaries paid obeisance at holy cave of Shiv Khori.