The three-day historic Agar Jitto Mela started here today attracting a huge number of local devotees and pilgrims.The festival was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Prasanna Ramaswamy G in the presence of senior police and civil officers, members of local committee and a large number of civil society members.The inaugural day witnessed a colourful cultural programme featuring folk dance, skits and plays depicting the life of Baba Jitto, local folk and message to fight social evils. The programme was presented by students of educational institutions and local artists.The departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Handloom, Sericulture, Industries, Floriculture, Tourism, Employment, Rural Development, J&K Bank and JKEDI have set up stalls to educate people about government schemes and display their products.After paying floral tributes to Bawa Jitto and complimenting the visitors, especially pilgrims from across the country, the DDC said, “Such festivals provide an opportunity to people to be part of rich cultural heritage of the region and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and communal amity.”The 3-day event will witness staging of Dogri play “Baba Jitto” by Natrang theatre group on June 28 and June 29, besides traditional Dangal on the last day.