Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 26: Under the guidance of Commissioner Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal, the vibrant festivities of the Mahashivratri Mahotsav organized by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) and District Administration Jammu continued with great enthusiasm on its second day at the revered Peer Kho Cave Temple here.
The event witnessed mesmerizing performances by renowned artist Ravi Raghuvanshi and other prominent artists of Jammu adding a cultural charm to the religious celebrations.
The second day of the Mahotsav saw the presence of MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi and Vikas Gupta, Director Tourism Jammu.
Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Gupta emphasized the importance of such festivals in preserving the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir while boosting pilgrimage tourism.
Joint Director Tourism Jammu, Sunaina Sharma Mehta emphasized the department’s efforts in development of pilgrimage circuits and the promotion of religious tourism in the region.
The Peer Kho Temple adorned with festive decorations echoed with devotional chants and cultural performances thereby creating an atmosphere of spiritual bliss and communal harmony. The event showcased the exhibition through departmental stalls, rich Dogra culture with traditional dance forms and music captivating the audience.
The festivities at Peer Kho Temple will culminate on February 28 with a grand finale of Dangal, marking the end of four day celebration.
Also present on the occasion were Vishal Manhas, senior police officers, Sugandhi Banotra, Assistant Director Tourism Jammu, Shashi Khajuria (Coordinator Peerkho Temple).
The Mahotsav was also organized at Shiv Temples at Purmandal and Utterbehni in Samba and the holy Shivkhori Shrine in Ransoo, Reasi.
The four-day festivities at Peer Kho Cave Temple commenced on February 25 with the inauguration by Yudhvir Sethi, MLA Jammu East. Also present were Parvesh Khajuria (Income Tax Officer), Sugandhi Banotra Bharta (Assistant Director Tourism, Jammu), Shashi Khajuria (Coordinator, Peer Kho Temple), Peer Rajinder Nath (Mahant, Peer Kho Temple), Dr Deepak Abrol (Head, AOI) and Advocate Rajesh Gupta.
In his address, Yudhvir Sethi underscored the profound significance of the Mahashivratri Mahotsav and encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in the region’s rich cultural heritage and unite in promoting communal harmony and progress.
Director Tourism Jammu, Dr Vikas Gupta also attended the Mahashivratri Mahotsav at Ransoo in Reasi district.
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