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Key Points

The Sankari Devta Fair concluded with massive participation of over 50,000 people in Udhampur's Panchari block. Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai emphasized the ancient significance and community respect for this centuries-old event. The fair featured cultural programs, traditional wrestling competitions, and local economic activities through stalls. The temple itself houses ancient Shiva and Shakti idols and hosts elaborate ceremonial rituals.

Key Points: Over 50000 Attend Ancient Sankari Devta Fair in Udhampur Jammu

  • Three-day fair concluded at ancient Sankari Devta Temple in Meer village
  • Featured cultural programs showcasing Jammu region's rich heritage
  • Traditional wrestling dangal attracted participants from across UT
  • Ceremonial Pooja with Vaans and Prasad distribution on final day
2 min read

J-K: Over 50,000 people participate in Sankari Devta Fair in Udhampur

Massive turnout at 500-year-old Sankari Devta Temple fair in Udhampur featuring cultural programs, wrestling dangal, and traditional ceremonies.

"This is an ancient fair. People have great respect for this place. More than 50,000 people participated - Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai"

Udhampur, August 23

The three-day Sankari Devta Fair concluded on Friday at the Sankari Devta Temple in Meer village of Panchari block.

The fair attracted over 50,000 participants, including locals and visitors from surrounding areas.

Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai, described the fair as an ancient and revered event that holds deep significance for the community.

Rai said, "This is an ancient fair. People have great respect for this place. More than 50,000 people participated in this fair. Many cultural programmes were organised here. People living in nearby areas also set up stalls here, which also gives an economic boost."

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Sankri Devta temple is located in the village of Meer, in the District Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir. It is located en route to Pancheri, which is about 33 km from Udhampur.

The temple, which is believed to be more than 500 years old, has idols of deities that are known to be of Shiva and Shakti.

On the first day of Mela, a dangal is organised in which wrestlers from within and outside the UT take part, and people in large numbers gather around to watch the same.

The folk artists of Panchari and other adjoining regions present folk songs and folk dances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Jammu region.

On the concluding day, the Vaans such as DudanaVaan, Trishul, Gungraal, Gurj, and other vaans are taken to the holy shrine and a ceremonial Pooja/Jaatar is performed, in which the various deities are invoked, their glory sung, and their blessings sought. Prasad is also distributed to the devotees on this occasion.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
My family has been attending this fair for generations. The spiritual energy during the Jaatar ceremony is something you have to experience to understand. So glad to see it getting recognition!
A
Aman W
Great to see local economy getting boost through these stalls. Hope the administration ensures proper facilities for such large gatherings though - sanitation and security should be priority.
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Sarah B
As someone who recently visited Jammu, the cultural richness of these regional festivals is incredible. The folk dances and music are such a beautiful expression of local traditions. Would love to attend next year!
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Vikram M
500 years of tradition! 🎉 These ancient temples and fairs are the soul of our cultural identity. More media coverage should be given to such positive stories from J&K.
N
Nikhil C
The dangal wrestling competition is the highlight! Wrestlers from across UT participating shows how these traditions unite people across regions. Bas thoda better transportation arrange karte toh aur log aa pate.

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