JAMMU: Panjvaktra Mahadev Temple committee today shared the details of its upcoming grand celebration of Maha Shivratri from March 6 to 8, 2024. Revered for its rich history and spiritual significance, the ‘Rupaiye Wala Mandir’ is all set to host a three-day cultural extravaganza, combining spirituality with artistic expression. Addressing a press conference here, Suresh Kumar Sharma, Retd Session Judge & Receiver, Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir, Arun Gupta- president, Chamber of Commerce and Industries, with office bearers of Chamber, Pooja Kapoor, president, Residency Road Bazar Association, president, Rajinder Bazar Association, Ashish Gupta, president Lower Raghunath Bazar, Rajeev Gupta, president, Upper Gumat, Jammu and others shared details of the function. They said this cultural extravaganza will be organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. It was informed that the festivities kick off with an inaugural ceremony on March 6, 2024. Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu will grace the occasion as the chief guest. Vivekananda Rai Director Tourism, Jammu, and Bharat Singh Manhas JKAS, Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, will be the guests of honour. The temple premises will be transformed into a hub of cultural activity, with events happening daily from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM. This cultural extravaganza promises a delightful experience for all, blending spiritual devotion with artistic expression. Over 200 talented artists will showcase their skills in various traditional and classical performances. Before the commencement of the main festivities, devotees are cordially invited to join the unique ‘Chetna Yatra’ (Awareness Procession) on March 5th (Tuesday), dedicated to propitiating the revered Devta Bawa Kaliveer Ji. This sacred procession serves as an auspicious prelude to the Mahashivratri Mahotsav, invoking blessings for its propitious beginning. The Chetna Yatra also extends a warm invitation to all to actively participate in the grand Mahotsav, fostering a sense of communal celebration and spiritual unity. The festival will commence on Wednesday with a captivating performance featuring a symphony of traditional Dogra instruments by Mohan Lal & Party, followed by soulful Bhajans by Dr Mukteshi Sharma and Pankaj Pradhan with their talented accompanists. The evening will come alive with folk dances celebrating Mahadev by Jackson & Group, Karkan by Girdhari Lal & Party, and captivating Bakh and Geetru performances by Vijay Kumar & Party. Renowned singers Marina, Antu Kotwal, and Sham Manyal will enthrall the audience with Dogri bhajans, accompanied by Kamal Sharma on dholak and Kishan Kumar on harmonium. Over the next two days, March 7 (Thursday) and March 8 (Friday), attendees can immerse themselves in a diverse array of cultural experiences, including traditional folk dances by Usha Rani & Party and Karkan by Ramesh Kumar & Party, soulful folk singing by Sudesh Manhas & Party and Jattar by Lok Nath & Party. Renowned singers Dr Rakesh Kalotra and Dr Roshi Shaminotra will lead the Bhajans, accompanied by a gifted group of musicians. Witness captivating Bharatnatyam performances by Pallabi Das Ghosh and Priya Dutta’s Nrityanjali Academy of classical dance. The evenings will culminate with Mahadev Aarti with instruments, followed by Bhajans by Dharmesh Nargotra and his accompanists. Witness the traditional Shiv Vivah ceremony performed by Jangams on the last day of the festival.
