Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, July 13: The 3-day historic Buda Kedar Nath Mela in Chenani concluded today with overwhelming participation of devotees, who thronged the Mela from different areas of J&K to pay obeisance and to get blessings of the revered deity.
Parkash Chand, BDC Chairman; Panches, Sarpanches and president of local Mela Committee, Sham Lal and others were also present on the occasion.
During festival, folk artists from adjoining areas turned up in large numbers to sing folk songs of their areas with special reference to Buda Kedar Nath.
The Mela is organized from full moon day in the month of July with the participation of thousands of devotees.
A rural market of sweets, toy bangles and other items is organized at the Mela site by traders.
People from hilly areas visit the place in colourful costumes on Mela days and sing Dogri songs and Bhak while sitting in nearby fields.
Buda Kedar Nath is one of the oldest and major pilgrimage places of Lord Shiva in Chenani area and is 19 km from Chenani town.
There are idols of many deities in the cave along with a natural source of holy water and to reach the shrine one has to pass through a small dark cave.
As per myths, no one can stay in this temple during night and even the evening worship rituals are performed daily by the Mahant before sunset after which he immediately leaves for home.
It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of an old Sadhu at this place after which it took the name Buda Kedar Nath.
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