Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, under the able guidance of Commissioner Secretary Tourism, J&K, Smt. Yasha Mudgal, IAS, organized the Mahashivratri Mahotsav in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) and the district administrations of Jammu, Samba, and Reasi. This festival celebrates the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage, focusing on revered temples such as Peer Kho and Panchvaktar Mahadev in Jammu, the sacred Shiv Temples at Purmandal and Utterbehni in Samba, and the holy Shivkhori Shrine in Ransoo, Reasi.
The four-day festivities at Peer Kho Cave Temple commenced on February 25, 2025, inaugurated by Chief Guest Sh. Yudhvir Sethi, Hon’ble MLA Jammu East, alongside dignitaries including Ms. Sunaina Sharma Mehta, JKAS, Joint Director Tourism, Jammu. Also present were Sh. Parvesh Khajuria (Income Tax Officer), Smt. Sugandhi Banotra Bharta (Assistant Director Tourism, Jammu), Sh. Shashi Khajuria (Coordinator, Peer Kho Temple), Peer Rajinder Nath (Mahant, Peer Kho Temple), Dr. Deepak Abrol (Head, AOI), and Advocate Rajesh Gupta.
In his address, Chief Guest Sh.Yudhvir Sethi underscored the profound significance of the Mahashivratri Mahotsav, extending a heartfelt invitation to the public to join in the celebrations. He encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in the region’s rich cultural heritage and unite in promoting communal harmony and progress.
Director Tourism Jammu, Dr. Vikas Gupta, JKAS, attended the Mahashivratri Mahotsav at Ransoo in Reasi district. In his address, he emphasized the significance of such cultural and religious events in promoting Jammu & Kashmir’s rich heritage and boosting tourism and invited everyone to partake in the celebrations.
Joint Director Tourism, Jammu, Ms. Sunaina Sharma Mehta, invited the public to partake in the Mahashivratri festivities across Jammu, Samba and Reasi, highlighting the opportunity to experience the region’s natural beauty and cultural legacy. She further added that the Mahashivratri Mahotsav not only reflects the deep-rooted faith of devotees but also underscores the potential for pilgrimage tourism in Jammu.
At Ransoo,Reasi , the event will span three days from February 25 to February 27, 2025, featuring Shiv Baraat and Shiv Vivah, and will culminate with a grand Dangal.Concurrently, festivities at Panchvaktar Mahadev Temple in Jammu began on February 24 and will conclude on February 26. Additional celebrations are scheduled at the sacred temples of Purmandal and Utterbehni in Samba district on February 26, 2025.
The Mahashivratri Mahotsav features a series of cultural events and religious ceremonies, offering an enriching experience for visitors. This event serves as a vibrant celebration of faith, culture and community, inviting people from all backgrounds to unite in devotion and festivity.
