Jhiri Mela, J&K
Jhiri Mela is an annual fair held in Jammu every year in the months of October to November. Jhiri Mela is the symbol of courage, honesty and compassion which also upholds the values, customs and culture of the Indians. Jhiri is a small village located almost 22 km from Jammu. This fair is celebrated to salute the courage of a farmer, 'Baba Jitto' who sacrificed his life for the liberation of the farming community. The Samadhi of Baba Jit Mal popularly known as Baba Jitto at Shama Chak Jhiri as he laid down his life being cheated by the Kardar of the area.
Lakhs of devotees, tourist and local people come to pay tribute to a Legendary Farmer. People from all over India come to Jammu during Jhiri Mela. The villagers and the descendents have been attending the annual fair to repent. Being a religious event, this Mela also provides marketing for the sugarcane growers as most of the visitors visit the Mela for these sugarcanes. Various exhibitions are being organized catering the diverse variety of the articles ranging from pottery, vases, utensils, toys and books on Baba Jitu. The most important event in the fair is the ritual taking of holy dip in 'Babe-da-talab' which is known to have miraculous power curing skin disorders.
Best time to celebrate the Jhiri Mela is at the end of October or at the beginning of November. Jhiri Mela continues for many days stretching and offering entertainment to all.
