‘Together, we can build a strong, secure, prosperous, and self-reliant J&K’: LG Manoj Sinha at Jhiri Mela
KINS Desk
Jammu, Nov 04 (KINS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday inaugurated the 10-day annual Jhiri Mela on the outskirts of Jammu city, calling upon people to follow the noble ideals of Baba Jittoo, the 16th-century farmer-saint who sacrificed his life for justice and equality.
The LG as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) urged people to take a pledge to embrace the path of selfless service and work towards building a just and equal society. “Baba Jittoo’s life is a timeless example of courage, sacrifice, and dedication to truth and justice. Together, we can build a strong, secure, prosperous, and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Lieutenant Governor stated: “Today, I inaugurated the annual Jhiri Mela at Marh sub-division in Jammu. Paid obeisance to Baba Jittoo and Bua Kouri. Dedicated a pilgrim community hall and four modular bus stops, and laid the foundation stone for the first indoor sports complex under CSR at Marh.”
Every year, nearly 10–12 lakh devotees from Jammu, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana visit the fair to pay homage to Baba Jittoo, who laid down his life around 500 years ago in protest against the exploitation of farmers by an oppressive landlord.
The Jhiri Mela, jointly organised by the Directorate of Tourism and the district administration, will continue till November 13. Hundreds of farmers and pilgrims have already arrived to participate in the fair, which celebrates the spirit of sacrifice, justice, and community service.
Officials said the Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture, along with the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), have made elaborate arrangements for sanitation, health facilities, parking, power supply, and water availability.
The Agriculture Department’s participation in the mela also serves as a platform to educate farmers about modern techniques, government schemes, and innovations, while honouring Baba Jittoo’s enduring message of dignity in farming.
Security has been strengthened in and around the mela site with the deployment of police and paramilitary forces, officials confirmed.
According to legend, Baba Jittoo, a humble farmer from the region, sacrificed his life to resist unjust demands by a landlord. His daughter, Bua Kouri, later immolated herself on his funeral pyre as a symbol of devotion and grief.
Devotees also take a customary dip at Baba-da-Talab, a sacred pond located around four kilometres from the temple, which is believed to have curative powers, officials added.(KINS)
