UDHAMPUR: The historic three-day Sudhmahadev mela commenced today amid religious fervor and gaiety.

Thousands of devotees from within and outside the UT visited the holy Sudhmahadev temple on the first day to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Member Legislative Assembly Chennai Balwant Singh Mankotia was the chief guest, who formally inaugurated the mela in the presence of Member Legislative Assembly Ramnagar, Sunil Bhardwaj, DDC member Chenani, Usha Devi, DDC member Ghordi Rakesh Chander Sharma, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Chenani, Dr Ranjeet Singh Kotwal and Mela Officer, Pankaj Singh, Jagatguru Shankracharya Swami Adokshjanand Dev Tirath Ji Maharaj and other officers of the civil and police administration alongside the general public.

Addressing the gathering, the chief guest congratulated the people and emphasized that such melas depict rich culture and religious heritage, help strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and communal harmony among the people. "These melas bring people of different religions, races and regions closer, fostering harmony among all sections of society,

Mankotia reiterated. He also appreciated the foolproof arrangements made by the District Administration Udhampur for the religious event.

The District Administration has made elaborate arrangements, with provision of uninterrupted power supply, safe drinking water, sanitation, medical facilities, and security measures for the smooth conduct of the mela.

The government departments have set up stalls to educate the public about the numerous UT and centrally sponsored schemes aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of the people.

The Member Legislative Assembly Chennai and the MLA Ramnagar also inspected the stalls set up by the departments.

Today's activities included a captivating cultural show by Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan, school cultural troupes and local folk artists, featuring local folk dance and music.