Calls for a Vibrant and Enriching Socio-Cultural Celebration
JAMMU: Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, today chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the upcoming Jhiri Mela. He urged all departments to work in close coordination to ensure a vibrant and enriching event for visitors.
Dr. Minhas highlighted that this year’s mela should prominently showcase the region’s rich handicraft and handloom traditions, including Calico prints, Basohli art, Phulkari, Bamboo crafts, and other GI-tagged products. “Jhiri Mela is not just a spiritual and cultural festival, but also a platform to celebrate our heritage. We must ensure that visitors experience the diversity of our crafts and culture in a well-organized and welcoming environment,” he said.
Outlining the vision of the mela as a comprehensive socio-cultural celebration, the DC stated that separate zones would be designated for food courts, handicraft stalls, cultural programmes, and devotional gatherings, ensuring a family-friendly and systematic experience. The Information Department was directed to carry out extensive publicity for the event.
During the review of infrastructure and logistics, Dr. Minhas instructed departments to streamline parking and traffic management, facilitate smooth accommodation arrangements, and allocate spaces for langars. He also asked for repair and restoration work on canals and banks and measures to replenish the historic Bawa Talab ahead of the mela.
On utilities and public services, emphasis was laid on ensuring piped water supply, adequate street lighting, food safety inspections, and strict monitoring to prevent overpricing. The Power Development Department was tasked with strengthening electricity infrastructure for uninterrupted supply.
Sanitation and public health were identified as top priorities, with directions for robust garbage management, fogging drives, and the provision of health and emergency services at the mela site.
Dr. Minhas also underscored the significance of youth activities, such as kabaddi, volleyball, and tug-of-war, as integral to the mela’s vibrancy. Strategies for barricading and effective crowd management were also deliberated.
The meeting was attended by ADDC Sher Singh, SDM Marh Pallavi Mishra, Chief Planning Officer Ajaypal Singh, SE PWD, and other senior district officers.
Expressing confidence in the collective efforts of all departments, Dr. Minhas said that Jhiri Mela-2025 is poised to be a memorable socio-cultural extravaganza, attracting devotees and visitors alike.
