1 lakh devotees throng Baba Sidh Goria mela

Vishal Jasrotia

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Samba, June 19

The week-long annual mela at the Baba Sidh Goria shrine in Swankha commenced here today. Thousands of devotees from various parts of Jammu and neighbouring states took part in the fair on its first day.

Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Prakash Ganga and senior officers of the district administration visited the shrine and prayed for peace and prosperity. The Minister said such events play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the traditions and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood.

Nearly 1 lakh devotees from the region and states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pardesh thronged the shrine despite sweltering heat. “I come here with my family every year to seek Baba’s blessings. We took bath at the holy pond, which is believed to have mystic powers. Visiting the shrine will bring us good luck and prosperity, I believe,” said Kamlesh Kour, a devotee from Gurdaspur.

Keeping in view the large influx of people, the administration has established a control room to monitor the arrangements at the site.