DC Jammu Reviews Jhiri Mela Preparations at Baba Jitto’s Shrine

With the annual Jhiri Mela drawing near, the Jammu district administration has begun preparing the shrine of Baba Jitto at Jhiri. The Deputy Commissioner (District Magistrate) of Jammu, Minga Sherpa, visited the shrine to take stock of arrangements for one of the largest melas in North India.

A Hands-On Review at the Shrine

The DC was accompanied by MLA Marh Surinder Kumar and senior officers from the departments involved. Instead of reviewing plans only in a meeting room, the team inspected the shrine and the surrounding grounds, discussed the gaps and requirements, and looked at what needs to be in place before the crowds arrive.

Directions Issued to Departments

The DC issued clear instructions on the following areas:

• Sanitation: Thorough cleanliness across the shrine complex and mela grounds, with proper waste management for the days of heavy footfall.

• Bush clearance: Removal of overgrown vegetation in and around the venue, so that movement is easy and safety risks are reduced.

• Road repairs: Repair of the roads leading to Jhiri so that devotees, including the elderly and families with children, can travel comfortably.

• Lighting: Proper illumination of the shrine, the grounds and the approach routes, especially for evening and night visitors.

• Site demarcation: Clear marking of areas for stalls, parking, pilgrim movement and public facilities, which helps prevent congestion.

• Overall planning: Better coordination between departments for the safe and orderly conduct of the fair.

Why Jhiri Mela Matters

Jhiri Mela is held every year in memory of Baba Jitto, a farmer revered across the region for his courage, his honesty and his sacrifice in the cause of truth and justice. His story is part of the folk tradition of Jammu, and generations of devotees have travelled to Jhiri to pay their respects.

The mela is more than a religious gathering. It is a meeting point for communities from Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring states, with rituals, folk culture, local food, farm produce and small traders all in one place. It is also an important source of seasonal income for many local families, which is another reason good preparation matters.

What Devotees Can Expect

Large gatherings need planning for crowd control, drinking water, sanitation, medical aid, parking and traffic. The early review suggests the administration wants the preparations to be thorough and finished well before the fair begins. Further announcements on official dates, traffic arrangements and visitor facilities are expected as the mela gets closer.

Tips for Visitors

• Check official announcements for the mela dates and traffic advisories before you travel.

• Plan to reach early to avoid peak crowds and parking congestion.

• Carry water, basic medicines and valid ID, and keep children and elders close in crowded areas.

• Follow instructions from police and volunteers on site.

Note: This post is based on the public update shared by the district administration. Please refer to official sources for confirmed dates and schedules.