The historic three-day Sudhmahadev Mela concluded today at Sudhmahadev in Sub-Division Chenani of district Udhampur.
More than 50,000 devotees and visitors, including men, women and children from different faiths, participated in the annual fair.
Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa visited the mela site on the concluding day and graced the occasion as chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said such traditional fairs reflect the region's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. He observed that these historic melas preserve age-old traditions and attract a large number of tourists, contributing to the local economy and that such events strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, peace, communal harmony and prosperity among people.
The DC also inspected various departmental stalls at the mela site and appreciated the cultural performances presented by students from different educational institutions and local artists, who showcased the region's folk traditions and cultural heritage.
Earlier, the DC paid obeisance at the Sudhmahadev Temple and prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people.
A number of temporary sweet shops, toy shops and other eatable corners by locals as well as outside vendors were the main attraction for visitors.
Mela Officer and Tehsildar Chenani Pankaj Singh Bhau remained at the site during the three days to manage arrangements for a comfortable pilgrimage to the shrine.
District Administration Udhampur made elaborate arrangements for security, drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, healthcare services, sanitation, traffic regulation, additional transport facilities and adequate availability of essential commodities.