Jammu, Mar 7 (Reporter) Continuing the promotional stride for religious tourism encompassing the celebration of religious festivals at local shrines and temples, the Directorate of Tourism Jammu in collaboration with JKAACL and District Administration Jammu, Samba and Reasi has organised the Mahashivratri Mahotsav with vibrant festivities. Thecelebrations started at the revered temple Peer Kho and Panchvaktar Mahadev Temple in Jammu District, sacred Shiv Temples at Purmandal in District Samba and pious pilgrimage Shrine Shiv Khori in Ransoo town of District Reasi. The four days Mega festivities at Peer Kho Cave Temple Jammu started by formal inauguration by the Chief Guest Sachin Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner Jammu along with Shishir Gupta Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Sher Singh, Additional District Development Commissioner Jammu and Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director Tourism Jammu. The festivities at this renowned temple are organised annually by the Tourism Directorate and District Administration Jammu which are witnessed by thousands of pilgrims visiting the holy shrine during these celebrated days of Mahashivratri Mahotsav. Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner Jammu prayed for progress and development of the UT of J&K and urged the people to rise above their differences and contribute towards the collective progress and development of the UT. Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director Tourism, Jammu while addressing the media invited people to join the Mahashivratri festivities at Jammu, Samba and Ransoo Reasi and celebrate this sacred festival amidst the natural beauty of Jammu region while also revisiting the cultural legacy of these revered shrines and immerse your soul in the religious fervour and aura of celebration and devotion towards this religious festival. At Ransoo in District Reasi, the religious festivities commenced with the mesmerising Shiv Bharat and Shiv Vivah which attracted thousands of pilgrims to the Ransoo town. The grand festivities were formally inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Reasi Vishesh Paul Mahajan that will culminate on March 9 with a mega Dangal at Ransoo town. The three days festivities are expected to attract lakhs of devotees to the holy shrine of Shivkhori during these pious days. The three days of Mahashivratri festivities at Panchvaktra Mahadev Temple in Jammu began on 6th March and will culminate on 8th March. Besides,mega festivities will also be organised at the holy town of Purmandal, District Samba on March 8. The Mahashivratri Mahotsav is marked with a series of cultural events and religious ceremonies, promising an enriching experience for all the visitors. It presents an amalgamation of religious festivities like Shiv Bharat and Vivah at Ransoo town with celebration of rich Dogra culture and festivities ranging from popular Dogri dance forms to Chhinj at Ransoo town. The Mahashivratri Mela promises to be a memorable celebration of faith, culture, and community, inviting people from all walks of life to come together and revel in the spirit of devotion and festivity...////...