BASHOLI , JUNE 30:- The traditional Chhinj Mela in Mashka is all set to be held with grandeur and devotion on July 1 and 2, organized by the Jai Baba Lakhdata Chhinj Mela Committee Mashka, with support from NHPC Sewa-II Power Station Mashka. The two-day fair will take place at the Mashka Mela Ground and will feature vibrant cultural performances, wrestling tournaments (dangal), and many exciting events.
Rooted in Tradition Since 1975 First organized in 1975, this historic fair has evolved into a symbol of local customs, faith, and devotion. The mela is dedicated to Jai Baba Lakhdata, who is revered across two major locations—Khajura and Mashka. This cultural and religious significance draws thousands of devotees and tourists from Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab every year.
Day 1: A Splash of Culture – July 1 The fair will kick off at 1 PM on July 1 with a colorful Dogri cultural session that will continue till 6 PM. The stage will be graced by local artists including Suresh Kumar, Mohinder Kumar, Simmu Thakur, and Himachali folk singer Pushpa Devi, who will showcase the rich Dogri traditions.From 6 PM to 10 PM, a grand cultural evening featuring Himachali, Punjabi, and Hindi music will take place. Popular Himachali singer Ishant Bhardwaj, renowned Punjabi artist Vishal Thakur, and other celebrated performers will entertain the crowd with their musical flair.
Mela Coordinator Sushil Kumar Nayar stated,“This year’s mela is entirely dedicated to our traditional heritage. For the first time, Dogri cultural performances will be a major attraction. As always, the public enthusiasm is overwhelming.
Day 2: The Grand Chhinj Wrestling – July 2On July 2, from 3 PM to 8 PM, a grand Chhinj Dangal (wrestling tournament) will be organized, with participation from top wrestlers across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.This year, the final match carries a prize of ₹51,000, adding a competitive edge and making the bouts even more thrilling for spectators.—Boost to Tourism and Local EconomyApart from its cultural and spiritual significance, the mela also contributes to the local economy and tourism.
According to coordinator Sushil Kumar Nayar,“Events like this generate employment at the grassroots level. Hoteliers, shopkeepers, transporters, and small vendors see a significant boost in business. Moreover, the mango orchards in and around Mashka experience a spike in sales during the mela.”From a tourism standpoint, the mela plays a vital role in attracting visitors to the region.
Nearby destinations like Banikhet also benefit from the influx of tourists during this period. “We aim to make this mela even more organized and grander in the coming years,” Nayar added.
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