Hundreds of devotees converged in ancient Shiv-Bani Templeto participate in the annual Nag Mela here at Bhaderwah town on Tuesday.
People throng to Shiv-Bani meadow temple in Noori-Hanga areato celebrate and to pay obeisance at historic Shiv temple located at a heightof 7,000 feet from sea level, in the lush green meadows surrounded with thickconiferous forests to mark the traditional event.
In continuation to the traditional celebrations whichstarted a day before Baisakhi with Subar Dhar Mela followed by Nagni and Gathafestival, a symbol of Nag Culture in mountainous Bhadarwah Valley with fullreligious fervor and gaiety came to an end today with Shiv-Bani festival.
The ancient festival marks the beginning of sowing season inthis hilly region after harsh winters, symbolising the ancient Naga cult ofBhadarwah.
Although devotees and tourists started gathering since earlyin the morning with opening of the Kewaars (doors) of historic Shiv-Bani templeat Noori-Hanga, 10 km from Bhadarwah town, traditional celebrations started in the afternoon with the festivalformally declared open by retired Master Tek Chand, which was followed byancient ‘Dekhu dance’.
Hundreds of Nag devotees converged at hill top meadowsurrounded with snow peaked mountains after trekking 5 km in dense woods to payobeisance to the lord Shiva and Vasuki Nag.
“According to our belief, the Shiv-Lingha was installedhere by Pandavas during their exile period. So, this place is of historicimportance. Besides, everybody is enjoying the traditional Dekhu dance in themundane beauty of this place,” Thakur Yudvir Singh, the chief organiser of thefestival said.
He added, “Although we tried to facilitate the visitors onour own, but government, especially BDA, should come forward to provide somebasic infrastructure and develop this place as major tourist attractions asthis place can be made a trekking destination.”
According to the figures available, a total of 4500 devoteeshad darshan at the ancient temple including 3000 women.It is pertinent to mention here that besidesbeing one of the most anticipated and popular festival, surprisingly none ofthe officers from BDA, police or civil administration was present there.