ATHUA, February 14, 2026 – The sacred atmosphere of the historic Airwan Shrine was electrified today as the annual Mahashivratri celebrations commenced with the inauguration of a vibrant Kisan Mela.
The two-day event, organized by the District Administration, was officially opened by MLA Kathua, Dr. Bharat Bhushan, and Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma. Integrating spiritual devotion with agrarian progress, the fair features an extensive exhibition of locally grown produce, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and food grains.
Stalls set up by the Agriculture and allied departments are serving as vital hubs for farmers to learn about modern cultivation techniques and government welfare schemes, effectively bridging the gap between traditional farming and contemporary innovation.
The inaugural day was further enriched by a series of high-energy cultural performances, including a powerful Shiva Tandava and traditional Dogri items presented by the Cultural Academy. Beyond the festivities, the event promoted physical excellence through competitive Kabaddi, Volleyball, and athletics, with prizes distributed to local and national-level school athletes.
Addressing the massive gathering of devotees and farmers, Dr. Bharat Bhushan praised the administrative efforts for fostering rural entrepreneurship and communal harmony.
Meanwhile, DC Rajesh Sharma invited the public to a Grand Ganga Aarti scheduled for 6:00 PM on the day of Mahashivratri, marking a spiritual pinnacle for the region’s heritage celebrations.
