UDHAMPUR, APRIL 15: Underscoring the importance of preserving our traditions, rich culture and festivals in the teeth of so-called trend of modernity, Juhi Manhas Pathania, Vice Chairperson DDC Udhampur yesterday threw open traditional Baisakhi Mela at Devika (Nainsoo).Anwar Choudhary, Addl SP Udhampur; Dalip Abrol, CEO Udhampur; Raghubir Singh, SHO Udhampur; Sham Singh, NT Ramnagar, and other senior officers of Tehsil and Police administration, besides prominent people and general public were present.The Mela was organised by the Shiv Mandir Devika Mela Prabhandak Committee, Nainsoo with the active support of the District administration.Every year a 3-day Baisakhi Mela is organised on the bank of holy Devika River. The Mela concludes with a grand Dangal on flanks of river Devika where wrestlers from various parts of State as well as adjoining states participate. People from different parts of Udhampur and adjoining areas attend this historic Mela.The historic Baisakhi Mela or ‘Basoa’ as it is called in local parlance, is an annual event organised on the eve of first Baisakh, on the bank of holy Devika river in Udhampur.According to legends, Devika is considered as the elder sister of Ganga Mata and it is believed that Lord Shiva, on the request of great Rishi Kashyap, sent Mata Parvati to the earth to flow as river Devika and thus, rid the people of Madardesh (Duggar) of all their sins and afflictions.People believe that a single dip in the holy water of river Devika is enough to rid a person of his /her sins. People take holy baths in the sacred Devika rivulet during the mela. This historic and popular Mela attracts visitors, vendors, traders and devotees from within and outside the state in large numbers.
