Jhiri Mela is an annual fair held in Jammu during October – November and is held symbolizing courage, honesty and compassion. It also upholds the values, customs and culture of India. Jhiri Mela in Jammu also brings in a festive mood that is almost incomparable to any other festival of its kind. It rejuvenates the mood of the people and offers them some rest and relaxation from the humdrum of their daily lives.
By Shilpa Thakur
There is a legend behind the Jhiri Mela in Jammu. According to the legend, there was a local farmer who was truthful and uncomplicated. His name was Baba Jitu. He used to stay with his family at Jhiri. There came a time when the local landlord demanded that he should part with his crop. This was an injustice because Baba Jitu spent days on the fields to produce that rich yield. He could not accept the unfairness of the zaminder and committed suicide because there seemed no other option before him. Neither was there a police station nor was the king ready to listen to a mere peasant. So, the naïve peasant ended his life.
The people of Jhiri began to worship Baba because of his honesty and self respect. They started believing that his soul was eternal and felt a need to worship at his shrine. So every year the people of Jhiri celebrate the Jhiri Mela during the end of October to commemorate the great sacrifice of the peasant.
Nowadays from every corner of India people visit the Jhiri Mela in order to pay homage to the great soul. In the Jhiri Mela at Jammu various things are sold. Pottery, vases, utensils and toys are some of those items. Apart from these there are stalls that sell books on the legendary Baba Jitu for whom this fiesta has gained such popularity. These books and pamphlets glorify the life and activities of Baba Jitu. Jhiri Mela in Jammu is a thrilling experience.
*… the village Jhiri is located about 20 kms from Jammu, off the Jammu-Akhnoor highway – Jammu and Kashmir is a state in northern India.
