Shiv Khori shrine gears up for Mahashivratri

Devinder Thakur

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Reasi, March 2

The three-day-long Mahashivratri will commence at Ransoo, the base camp of the Shiv Khori shrine, on March 6. 

The arrangements for the festival, including cultural events, security and civic amenities, were finalised at a meeting chaired by District Magistrate, Reasi, Sushma Chauhan here on Tuesday.

Every year lakhs of pilgrims visit the cave of Lord Shiva during the festival. The festival will be inaugurated at 11 am on March 6 and will see religious ‘jhankis’ and processions. Indian style wrestling competition and cultural programmes are also being organised on the sidelines.

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated in ‘Phalguna’ which falls in February or March every year.

Hundreds of pilgrims visit the Shiv Khori shrine from all over the country to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

During festival, the pilgrims perform the traditional Shivalinga worship. Devotees take a dip in the Devak river to purify themselves before starting the rituals. 

The atmosphere in and around the temple vibrates with the sound of bells and chants of ‘Jai Shiv Shankar’.  The celebrations include worship of the Shivlinga. Devotees observe fast and ‘jagran’ is performed by offering prayers and singing chants.

During the festival, the government organises a fair-cum-exhibition for the people visiting the shrine, with various stalls selling food items and clothing. Some of the attractions of the mela include dances and other performances. 

The Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board is making efforts to make the festival even more popular and also provide the devotees with maximum facilities. The board is taking up many projects, keeping in view the comfort, entertainment and security of the pilgrims.