Swankha Mela begins with religious fervour

Devotees offering prayer at Bawa Sidh Goria temple at Swankha in Samba district on Sunday.
Devotees offering prayer at Bawa Sidh Goria temple at Swankha in Samba district on Sunday.

Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, July 2: The famous week-long annual Swankha Mela began today at the temple of Bawa Sidh Goria, a historical and religious place in Swankha village of Ramgarh, a border tehsil of Samba district. Devotees from Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Punjab, Himachal, Haryana, Delhi and other places participated in the event. They took a bath in the holy ‘Sarovar’ of Bawa Sidh Goria Nath Ji and received blessings at his historic Samadhi.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Samba Abhishek Sharma; Senior Superintendent of Police, Samba, Benam Tosh and many dignitaries from social and political spheres received Bawa Ji’s blessings offered prayer.
Abhishek Sharma spoke on the occasion, highlighting that the shrine is an important part of the tourism circuit of Samba district and efforts are underway to make the Sidh Goria-Bamuchak-Baba Chamliyal shrines a tourist circuit.
The district administration made elaborate arrangements for the convenience of devotees, including medical facilities, drinking water and help desks. Departmental stalls for various government schemes were also installed at the venue.
Mahant Bhola Nath appreciated the efforts of the district administration for the smooth conduct of the Mela, where thousands of devotees participated. Many local stalls were put in place by local vendors, which added to the economic activities of the area and enabled local trade.
A Dangal (wrestling competition) will be held Bawa.