JAMMU, APRIL 8: The three-day fair that began on Chaitra-Chaturdashi from 4th April, 2019 concluded on Saturday the 6th of April, 2019 which was organized in connection with 25th Annual Chhari Yatra by Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust, Dogra Sadar Sabha J&K and Purmandal/Utterbehni Shrines Development Committee headed by former Minister Th. Gulchain Singh Charak. Addressing the media persons, today the 8th April Th. Gulchain Singh Charak threw light on the significance of Duggar pilgrimages and the start of Chhari Yatra. Highlighting the importance of Purmandal, Charak said it is located on the banks of the river Devika which is prominently known as the Gupt Ganga.“This pious place is also popularly known as “Chhota Kashi” as a large number of Hindus perform last rites and rituals here for the peace to departed souls. Hence in a way it is the sacred Ganga of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.“Seeing the deplorable condition of these historical shrines of Duggar Pradesh, because of the indifferent attitude of the successive state Governments Dogra Sadar Sabha in collaboration with Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust Gandhi Nagar formed the Purmandal/Utterbehni Shrines Development Committee involving the prominent persons of the erstwhile- Jammu district took the initiative and decided to start Chhari Yatra with a view to promote the ancient historical religious place, and ensure development of the area,” Charak said.He told that, in 1995, with the help of the then Governor the Chhari Yatra was started to the holy shrines for highlighting their importance, After that, with the efforts of these organizations, things started improving resulting proper approach roads.He expressed dismay and concern that despite having sanctity and sacredness the twin shrines have been ignored by the successive governments till date, despite the fact that both shrines are historical Hindu pilgrimage centres in Jammu and Kashmir like Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and Baba Amarnath Ji despite repeated pleas by these organizations.Mr. Charak also expressed resentment and concern over the non-cooperation of the Surinsar-Mansar Tourism Development Authority due to which people visiting these Shrines are facing numerous difficulties especially, the women pilgrims face severe problems while taking bath in open areas. He said that there is no dearth of funds with the government, but due to the callous attitude of the administration, the pilgrims have to face tremendous problems. He appealed to the government to immediately construct Bathing Ghats and public conveniences near the banks of Holy Devika so that lacs of devotees visiting these Shrines whose number is increasing day by day may not face these hardships.He also expressed concern over phlegmatic approach of Tourism Department towards Purmandal Shrine. He said that the tourism department remained totally absent from the scene during these event full days and not even a single hoarding had been installed by the Tourism Department at Purmandal and enroute for welcoming the devotees coming from across the country.He further said that if these holy places are developed on modern lines with sufficient facilities for devotees, it will drastically change the socio-economic scenario of the region with increased footfall of devotees, besides, good number of tourists. He added that if government and other concerned agencies take some initiative by including the holy place into religious tourism circuit along with Mata Vaishno Devi and Baba Amarnath Shrines and by providing good tourist infrastructure, there can be sea change in the development profile of the region and the locals can reap the fruits of prosperity. Charak also appealed to the Government to immediately make proper arrangements to stop the cremation of the dead bodies near the main temple at Purmandal and ensure that the people use the cremation sheds specially erected for the purpose at Devika, nearby, so that the pilgrims especially women and children can visit the temples complex freely.The former minister appreciated the efforts of Nodal Officer recently appointed by the District Administration Samba who extended his full support and worked hard for the successful conduct of Yatra and also appreciated the efforts of the Dharmarth Trust J & K represented by Dr. S.P. Verma and his team for their help and cooperation for this pious cause and requested them to take immediate necessary steps to meet the requirements of the increasing number of devotees for visiting these Holy Shrines. While appreciating to the members of the Langar Sahayak Samiti Bari Brahmana for providing sufficient food and other eatables to the devotees during the fair, continuously for the last 29 years.He was also thankful to prominent persons including Sh. Kavinder Gupta former Dy. C.M, Sh. Chander Mohan Gupta Mayor and Purnima Sharma Dy. Mayor of JMC, Sh. Vikram Randhawa MLC, Ms. Bhanu Gupta local Corporator, trustees of Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust and large number of devotees for their participation in the Puja Archana and the procession while starting the Holy Chhari Yatra from Gandhi Nagar to Purmandal.In the end, he extended his gratitude to the whole public of the area in general and representatives of Muslim and Sikh biradaris in particular who accorded a befitting reception to the Yatra by providing the water, tea, fruit and other eatables to the hundreds of people accompanying the Yatra enroute maintaining the age old traditions of brotherhood and respect to all the religions.Lastly, he also extended gratitude to the press and media persons for covering the whole programme.Others who were present in the conference are:- Sh. S.C Rekhi Gen. Secy. and Sh. Deepak Gupta, Treasurer S.L.N.M Trust, Sh. Prem Sagar Gupta, Gen. Secy. D.S.S, , Brig. M.S Jamwal (Retd.), Member Purmandal/Utterbehni Shrines Development Committee and Sh. Gambhir Dev Singh Charak, Incharge Youth Wing D.S.S.
Besides, Annual Calendar for the year Bikrami Samvat 2076 prepared Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust Gandhi Nagar, Jammu was also released during the press conference.
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