Jhiri Mela 2026 Dates: 23 November to 2 December | Main Day 24 November

Jhiri Mela 2026: The Dates Are Here

Every year, as the winter chill settles over Jammu, the fields around Jhiri village fill with lakhs of people. Farmers, families, devotees and traders arrive from across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond to take part in one of North India's biggest and oldest fairs. If you are planning to attend Jhiri Mela this year, here is the schedule.

Jhiri Mela 2026 Schedule

• Mela Dates: 23 November 2026 to 2 December 2026 (10 days)

• Main Day (Kartik Purnima): Tuesday, 24 November 2026

• Location: Jhiri village, near Jammu (Marh area)

• Final Notice: To be issued by SDM Marh

Please note: this schedule is tentative. The final notice will be issued by SDM Marh. We will update this page the moment it is released, so bookmark it and check back.

Why Does the Date Change Every Year?

If you have visited Jhiri Mela before, you may have noticed that it never falls on the same date twice. That is because the fair follows the Hindu lunar calendar rather than the English one. Its main day is Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the sacred month of Kartik. Since the full moon shifts across the English calendar each year, the mela moves with it.

In 2026, Kartik Purnima falls on 24 November. The fair opens a day earlier, on 23 November, and continues for ten days until 2 December, so devotees and visitors have plenty of time to plan their trip.

The Story of Baba Jitto

Jhiri Mela is not just a fair. It is a tribute to a man who chose truth over comfort.

According to local tradition, Baba Jitto was a humble and honest farmer, and a devoted follower of Mata Vaishno Devi. He lived in this region hundreds of years ago. When a powerful landlord demanded an unfair share of his hard-earned harvest, Baba Jitto refused to bow to injustice. The story goes that he gave up his life to stand up for what was right, and his sacrifice became a symbol of courage and honesty for generations of farmers.

Today, people from many communities visit Jhiri to pay their respects at the temples of Baba Jitto and Bua Kodi. Because the fair honours a farmer and draws so many farming families, it is often called the "Farmers' Fair."

For Full History : History of Baba Jitto Ji Bua Kodi Ji By Mahant Arvind Dutt Ji Click Here...

What to Expect at Jhiri Mela

Faith and devotion. On Kartik Purnima, devotees take a holy dip in the sacred pond and visit the temples to seek blessings. The early morning hours have a special peace, with prayers, bhajans and offerings.

A giant market. The fairground turns into a huge open-air bazaar. You will find sweets, street food, sugarcane, fresh seasonal produce, clothes, toys, kitchenware and farming tools. For many families, it is the main winter shopping trip of the year.

Folk culture and entertainment. Evenings bring cultural programmes, Dogri songs, devotional music and traditional performances. Wrestling matches (dangal) and rural games draw excited crowds, and children love the rides and stalls.

Government outreach. Various departments usually set up information stalls at the fair to share details about schemes and services for farmers and rural families.

How to Reach Jhiri Mela

• By Air: The nearest airport is Jammu Airport. Taxis and cabs are available outside for the journey to Jhiri.

• By Train: Jammu Tawi is the nearest major railway station, with cabs and taxis available outside.

• By Road: Jhiri is around 20 to 22 km from Jammu city and is well connected by road. Buses, cabs and private vehicles all run during the mela days.

Smart Tips for Visitors

1. Go early. Kartik Purnima is by far the busiest day. If you want a peaceful darshan, reach in the early morning or visit on another day of the fair.

2. Dress warm. Late November mornings and evenings in Jammu are cold, so carry a jacket, shawl or blanket.

3. Look after your belongings. Keep valuables secure and stay close to your group, especially with children and elders.

4. Follow traffic and parking instructions. Use the designated parking areas and check for traffic advisories before you travel.

5. Taste the local food. Try the seasonal specialities sold at the stalls, but choose fresh, hot food from clean stalls.

6. Carry cash and a charged phone. Network can be patchy in big crowds, and many small stalls prefer cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Jhiri Mela 2026?
Jhiri Mela 2026 is scheduled from 23 November to 2 December 2026. The main day is Kartik Purnima, 24 November 2026.

How many days does the mela last?
The fair runs for 10 days.

Are these dates final?
The schedule is tentative. The final notice will be issued by SDM Marh, and we will update this page when it is out.

Where is Jhiri Mela held?
At Jhiri village near Jammu, about 20 to 22 km from the city.

Why is it called the Farmers' Fair?
Because it honours Baba Jitto, a farmer who sacrificed his life for justice, and because large numbers of farmers gather there every year.

Stay Connected

Jhiri Mela is more than a fair. It is a celebration of faith, farming and community. Keep visiting jhirimela.site for the final notice, cultural programme, traffic advisories and travel updates for Jhiri Mela 2026. If this guide helped you, share it with family and friends who are planning to attend.