REASI: Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Malik, who also serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB) on Monday inaugurated the Shrawan Mahotsav at the revered Shiv Khori Shrine.

The festival began amid spiritual fervor and religious spirit coinciding with the first Monday of the ongoing Shrawan month (July 11 to August 6).

The event was organized in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, adding grandeur and coordinated planning to the religious event.

The Mahotsav commenced with a grand Kavad Yatra, which started from the Darshani Deodi at Ransoo Base Camp and culminated at the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva. The Deputy Commissioner along with Devotees, carrying ornately decorated Kavad on their shoulders, chanted religious hymns.

The Rudhrabhishek was also performed inside the Holy Cave of Shivkhori which was followed by Hawan at Hawan Kund Bhawan near the Shrine. The Deputy Commissioner attended both the rituals.

The Shrawan Mahotsav will feature cultural and religious programmes like the Kavad Yatra to be held every Monday of the month. The Shiv Puran Katha will be held from 27th July to 4th August and a Bhajan Sandhya will be organized on 4th August, attracting large numbers of devotees and creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner extended greetings to the devotees and emphasized the importance of the Shrawan month in Hindu tradition. She lauded the efforts of the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, the Department of Tourism and the district administration for making elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the Mahotsav and the safety and convenience of pilgrims.

The DC further highlighted the role of the Mahotsav in promoting religious tourism and enriching the cultural heritage of the district. She emphasized that the district administration has made elaborate arrangements for clean drinking water and power supply, medical aid and fire safety to ensure the smooth conduct of the religious festival.

A large number of devotees from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir and neighboring states participated in the event. ADC Rakesh Kumar, Tehsildar Pouni Sahil Randhawa, Manager (SSKSB) Tersam Lal Sharma, Executive Engineer PHE, AD Tourism and other officials were also present.