DSS Organises Duggar Mela-2025
In a grand initiative Dogra Sadar Sabha (DSS) revived the annual DOGRA event as Duggar Mela-2025 earlier known as Jammu Festival. Originally this event was launched on 14.4.94 by Doger Sadar Sabha to showcase Dogra art, culture and promote local Dogra artists and artisans by bringing to the fore Dogri art, music, folk music, handicrafts and give a window to the various local talents for encouragement, development and trade promotion. Thereafter on the pursuance of Dogra sadar Sabha J&K govt. agreed to organize the event as Jammu Festival with Deputy Commissioner Jammu as its Nodal Officer. Unfortunately over the years the event drifted from its original aim and purpose once handling government departments started outsourcing it by inviting artists from other states. It got reduced to an entertainment eve presented by artists hired from neighbouring States. Finally it got discontinued during Covid-19.
This initiative by the DSS is a step to revert it to its original form to benefit the local population and give them opportunity to display their talents, create SHGs and get to start-ups fitting into the framework of such programmes launched by the Prime Minister in other States/UTs.
In this renewed initiative today the DSS organised this Duggar Mela-2025 in the jampacked SSabha Bhawan, Dogra Hall Jammu in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art, Culture and languages. Shri Yudhvir Sethi Hon’ble MLA Jammu East was the Chief Guest while former minister of J&K State Th. Gulchain Singh Charak, President DSS presided over the function. The function started by lighting of the traditional lamp by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. I/c Youth Wing Gambhir Dev Singh welcomed the guests and gave details of the Duggar Mela. The festivity started by the song of Dogra valour by students of Rich Harvest School followed by instrumental performance in Dogri by Rakesh Anand who enthralled the audience. The Gojri & Pahari songs by Bashir Mastana & Punjabi Sufians by Mohinder Soni were other attractions in the mesmerising musical treat that kept the local audience thrilled and charmed. Mrs Asha Kesar, renowned Dogri folk singer presented Bhaakh, in her melodious voice which was also well received by the audience. The rhythm was performed by Mr Rakesh Anand (flute), Vijay Anand (Dholak), Joginder Pal (tabla), Krishan Kumar Johny (synth) and Rohit (Santoor)
The premises of Dogra Sadar Sabha were fully decorated with the ambience of Dogra folk which included Dogra craft, Dogra cuisine, Basohli paintings prepared by the students, staff of Rich Harvest School and artists of Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages who designed ‘Rutt Rahre’ the traditional folk of Dogra related to agriculture and folk music. The blow ups depicting the history of Dogra warriors, the ancient Dogra traditions and art work done by the students was also the part of the entire programme. The cultural items were coordinated by Dr Arvinder Singh Amn, Additional General Secretary, Dogra Sadar Sabha.
This was followed by the address by the Th. Gulchain Singh Charak who briefly explained the activities of the 121 years old Dogra Sadar Sabha and the spirit behind today’s programme. MLA Yudhvir Sethi in his address richly appreciated the efforts of the DSS in maintaining regional harmony and assured all help for the social activities to the DSS and the Civil Society who have an important role in a healthy democracy. He also assured that the renovation and development of Dogra Sadar Sabha Bhawan will be undertaken soon.
The proceedings of the program were conducted by Dr Naseeb Singh Manhas (Retd. Director Doordarshan and renowned writer) whereas Col Karan Singh presented the Vote of thanks.
The eminent citizens of Jammu were present including: Sh Sanjeev Rana, Additional Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Adv H C Jalmeria Gen Secy, G A Khwaja, Sh Neeraj Anand, Padmashree SP Verma, Maj Gen G S Jamwal, Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma, Maj Gen Sunita Kapoor, Mrs Uma Katal, Col Virendra K Sahi VrC, Brg VS Dhiman, Amanat Ali Shah, Narinder Singh Jamwal, Samar Dev Singh, Adv Shakeel Ahmad Shakeel, S Balwinder Singh, Janak Khajuria, JS Babli, Jagdeep, Sukhdev Singh, Dr Raghubir, Khajur Singh,Madan Bhagat, Chhankar Singh and others bin large number.
The event ended with a simple but sumptuous ‘Dogri Taam’ relished by all.
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