Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 13: Baisakhi festival was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across the region today.
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Baisakhi marks the New Year for the millions of people over the world and foundation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji on April 13, 1699. As per Nanakshahi Calender, this religious and historical festival falls on April 13 or 14 every year.
In Jammu, historic Baisakhi Mela was held at Rajinder Park, Ranbir Canal. Thousands of people thronged the Mela site where temporary shops and stalls were raised. The children were seen enjoying rides at marry-go-rounds and making purchases along with their parents.
The Irrigation authorities also released water in Ranbir Canal and many people were seen having bath at the canal and also in river Tawi since early morning. At Akhnoor also many people were seen having early morning bath on this occasion of Baisakhi.
At the bank of Devak in Udhampur town, seven-day historic Baisakhi Mela is organized every year. It was inaugurated by DC Udhampur Ravinder Kumar. Many prominent people of the area witnessed the occasion. He greeted the people on this occasion. Many stalls and small shops had been established at the Mela site. The people from the town and adjoining areas had thronged the Devak rivulet since morning to have holy dip.
Meanwhile, terming the Government‘s announcement of sanctioning Degree College at Ramkote in Billawar a Baisakhi gift to the students residing in remote areas, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh said the present dispensation has sanctioned 6 new degree colleges for Jammu Division which will fulfill the aspirations of students living in remote areas.
Dr Singh said this during a public meeting held today at Ramkote where large number of people gathered to express their gratitude towards the Government‘s decision to provide Degree College to the area which will serve the interest of students living in remote villages.
DyCM informed the gathering that the sanctioned degree college will function in make-shift accommodation from ensuing session 2018-19 till permanent structure for the college gets raised.
Earlier, the DyCM inaugurated historic Baisakhi festival at Billawar and conveyed his greetings to all who were present during the Baisakhi celebrations.
Underscoring the need to revive age old festival celebrations at historic places, Deputy Chief Minister, said Baisakhi is an important festival of the region and all sections of society join together in the festivities.
Dr Singh stated that sincere effort will be made to make the Baisakhi Mela and other cultural fest a regular and important feature on the state culture calendar and directed the officers of Tourism department to bring the Baisakhi Mela under the ambit of Tourism department as it will help in resuscitating tourism.
An impressive cultural programme comprising of Dogri folk songs and dances by the local artist remained key attraction of the Mela.
At Mansar, Baisakhi festival was organized by Tourism department, which was inaugurated by MLA Ramnagar R S Pathania. A large number of people of the area thronged the Mela site through out the day today. Cultural programme was performed by J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages. The MLA also inaugurated the stalls raised there at the site.
Reports of Baisakhi celebrations were also received from Dera Banda Bahadur in Reasi at the bank of river Chenab, Bani town, Arwon, Subar Nag temple Bhaderwah, while at Dera Nangali Sahib in Poonch it will be held on Saturday.
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