The Bangus Awaam Mela was celebrated today in District Kupwara with great fanfare. The Annual Festival saw the participation of hundreds of Gujjars, Bakarwals and other Kashmiris from Kupwara, Tangdhar and Handwara. The Mela was conducted over two days commencing on 10th August with the grand finale on 11th August.
The first day saw the conduct of Village Games, which included competitions like Horse Racing, Sheep Herding Challenge, Tug of War and Wood Chopping Competitions between the Gujjar Bakarwal & Pahari Community from various Bhaiks who inhabit the beautiful meadows during the summer months from ages.
On the request of the community members, a free Veterinary and Medical Camp was also organised by the local Rashtriya Rifles unit. The veterinary and medical camps were a combined effort of the Army and Civil Medical Authorities from Handwara region. A total of 492 patient’s including 90 children were given treatment, advice and medicines by the doctors. The veterinary camp provided medical & surgical aid to 700 livestock.
The Second day of the event was witnessed by Shri Manoj Sinha, Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, and GOC-IN-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen YK Joshi. Also present on the occasion were Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC, Chinar Corps & Maj Gen HS Sahi, GOC, Kilo Force.
The LG witnessed the traditional programs organised by local Gujjar and Bakarwal community and the finals of the village games. He also went around the mela venue and appreciated the heritage cuisine stalls set up under the aegis of DDC Rajwar, Mr Suleiman Mir. Later, speaking on the occasion, the LG said that it was wonderful to see such a large gathering in the beautiful valley of Bangus. He also said that govt will work rigorously for the overall development of Bangus Valley & its infrastructure.
