Historic Gandh Mela began with religious fervor and gaiety here today at Gandh Top of Tehsil Basantgarh of Sub Division Ramnagar.MLA Ramnagar, Ranbir Singh Pathania was the chief guest on the occasion, who formally inaugurated the fair.While addressing the gathering, the MLA congratulated the people and said such occasions provide great opportunity for cultural exchange, people to people contact and cementing social relations.The MLA said that every possible effort would be made to boost the pilgrimage tourism for the overall development of the area. He informed the people that macadamization work of Ramnagar-Basant Garh road is apace and would be completed in stipulated time. He also gave assurance to the people that their genuine demands would be considered and redressed on priority.Earlier, MLA paid obeisance at Basuki Naag Temple and prayed for peace and prosperity of the state.Thousands of people attired in traditional and colorful dresses thronged the mela site to offer prayers and get blessings of their revered deity.Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages also organized a folk festival at the Mela. The performances of local artists were highly appreciated by the audience on the occasion.The District Administration has made adequate arrangement of security, transport, Medicare, drinking water and power supply for the event.Additional Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Dr Arvinder Singh Amn , Assistant Cultural Officer Bishan, Tehsil officers of various departments and a large number of locals and those from adjoining areas were present on the occasion.