REASI (February 14, 2026): The spiritual town of Ransoo came alive today as the three-day Maha Shivaratri Mela officially began at the revered Shri Shiv Khori Shrine. Organized by the District Administration of Reasi in collaboration with the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, the festival was inaugurated by MLA Reasi, Kuldeep Raj Dubey, alongside Principal Secretary (Home) Chandraker Bharti and Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Nidhi Malik. Chants of “Har Har Mahadev” echoed through the valley as thousands of devotees gathered to seek divine blessings.
A highlight of the opening day was the grand Shobha Yatra, which proceeded from Tridev Hotel to Darshani Deodi, featuring vibrant mythological tableaux, traditional drum beats, and cultural performances by local artists that showcased the region’s rich heritage.To ensure a seamless experience for the pilgrims, the administration has implemented extensive arrangements covering security, sanitation, and 24/7 basic utilities.
At Shiv Shakti Bhawan, the atmosphere remained serene with continuous bhajans, special prayers, and devotional music. Beyond the spiritual activities, various government departments have set up stalls to promote local handicrafts and awareness of welfare schemes.
MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey emphasized that the mela not only strengthens communal harmony and spiritual values but also provides a significant boost to local religious tourism and the economy.The festival, which runs until February 16, is supported by numerous community-led langars providing free meals to visitors.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar extended a vote of thanks to all stakeholders, while the administration issued an appeal to all devotees to maintain discipline and follow safety guidelines to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage over the coming two days.
Senior officials, including ADDC Sukhdev Singh Samyal and ACR Nitin Verma, were also present to oversee the commencement of this major religious event.
