Minister of State for Education, Tourism and Culture, Priya Sethi today inaugurated the annual four-day Peer Kho Shivratri Mela in presence of MLA, Rajesh Gupta and Mahant Peer Kho, Peer Ravi Nath at Peer Kho.ADC Arun Manhas, Deputy Director, Tourism Sushil Kumar Atri besides prominent citizens from all walks of life and senior officers of different departments were present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the government is committed to work towards development of tourism in the State adding that concerted efforts are being made to develop Peer Kho as a major religious tourist destination in the region. She said the festival is one of the major tourist attractions of Jammu city and visiting devotees as well as tourists should have best experience during the festivities.Lauding Culture and other concerned departments for the preparations being made for the mela, the Minister said that such events will promote religious tourism besides boosting the economy of the area.
The Minister hoped that the festival will usher the State in the era of peace and prosperity.Ethnic food stalls, fun rides and cultural programmes based on Shiv Parvati theme like tandav, Shiv barat, shiv-kali and bhajans devoted to Lord Shiva will be the main attractions of the annual mela.Various social organizations and the Travel and Trade organisations will be participating during the event.
Earlier, the Minister visited Aap Shambhu Temple and took stock of the arrangements being put in place by different departments for the Mahashivratri festival.The Minister asked Tourism, PHE, JMC, Health, Traffic, Police and other concerned departments to ensure the availability of all facilities for smooth and hassle free celebration of the festival.The Minister directed the JMC to maintain proper cleanliness in and outside the temple and ensure installation of dust bins there. She directed the concerned officers to ensure proper lighting arrangements and adequate drinking water facilities with uninterrupted supply for the devotees.Priya asked the Health department to make sure that medical facilities along with the ambulance are available during the festival.The Minister asked the police department to deploy adequate security personnel round the clock. She asked the concerned departments to laid special focus on traffic arrangements.Priya asked the concerned officers to prepare a list of people installing stalls and langers to keep a track of their whereabouts. She also took stock of the installation of CCTV cameras in the premises of the Temple.The Minister paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for the peace and prosperity of the State.The Minister, on the occasion, also interacted with the devotees and members of the management at the shrines and enquired about the facilities available for the devotees.Senior functionaries of concerned departments besides senior politician, Omi Khajuria accompanied the Minister.