UDHAMPUR, Jun 29: The three-day Sudhmahadev Sanskriti Mahotsav and Nasha Mukat Bharat Abhiyan entered its second day on Monday with vibrant cultural performances and an anti-drug awareness campaign aimed at promoting Duggar heritage and encouraging a drug-free society.
The festival is being organised by the Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan (BLSKS), Jammu, from June 28 to 30 at Government Higher Secondary School, Sudhmahadev, in connection with the annual Sudhmahadev Mela 2026. The event is being held in collaboration with the Central Bureau of Communication (Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India), the Department of Youth Services and Sports, the Ministry of Culture, and the J&K Dharmarth Trust, Sudhmahadev.
Principal of Government Higher Secondary School, Sudhmahadev, Som Raj, inaugurated the second day’s programme as the Chief Guest. Tehsildar Chenani and Mela Officer Pankaj Singh, Rakesh Manhas, Senior Gurnam Singh, Nodal Officer, Central Bureau of Communication, along with senior officials and members of the Mela Committee, attended the event as Guests of Honour.
The programme commenced with Saraswati Vandana, ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp, a classical dance presentation titled Om Sankalpamastu, and the recitation of Sanskrit shlokas from the Yajurveda as part of Manch Pooja. The cultural presentations were organised under the direction of Neha Jalali, Director, Central Bureau of Communication, and Dr. M.L. Dogra, Chairman of BLSKS.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest appreciated the organisers for preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Duggar region through such festivals. He highlighted the importance of folk music, folk dances and traditional art forms in strengthening cultural identity while promoting tourism and the local economy. He also urged all departments, officials, volunteers and members of the public to work collectively for the successful conduct of the historic Sudhmahadev Mela.
Welcoming the dignitaries and pilgrims, Dr. M.L. Dogra, former Regional Director, Song and Drama Division, Government of India, explained that the festival aims to promote Duggar culture while spreading awareness about Swachh Bharat and the Nasha Mukat Bharat Abhiyan in rural and far-flung areas of Jammu province.
He emphasised that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is a vital nation-building initiative focused on protecting youth from drug addiction through coordinated efforts of government agencies, law enforcement, healthcare institutions, educational institutions and civil society organisations.
The audience was treated to colourful performances showcasing traditional Duggar folk forms, including Gitru, Kalaye Kanwan, Sailran Thara, Desh Bhakti songs, Kududu, Taren Tudan Piyan, Jagarna and several other folk compositions reflecting the rich cultural traditions of the region.
Dr. Dogra also narrated the popular legend associated with the Sudhmahadev Shrine, recounting the story of the demon Sudheet and Lord Shiva’s divine intervention, which forms an important part of the shrine’s religious significance.
More than 20,000 devotees and visitors witnessed the cultural programmes during the festival. Dr. Dogra also thanked Mela Officer Pankaj Singh and the district administration for their support in the successful organisation of the event.
The performances featured renowned artists including Usha Raina, Rajni Gupta, M.C. Kotwal, Sanjay Kumar Pashi, Bindia Okheda, Chahat Chadha, Poly Devi, Rakesh Masih, Sant Dass, Anjana Sharma, Sona Jamwal, Anshu Balgotra, along with students from the host school and participants from the Departments of Youth Services & Sports and School Education.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Principal Som Raj, who appreciated the efforts of all participating departments, artists, students and volunteers for making the second day of the cultural festival a grand success.