Buddha Amarnath Ji Mela is an annual event associated with the
Buddha Amarnath Mandir near
Mandi in
Poonch District. This grand fair is organized during the
Raksha Bandhan festival.
Three days prior to the auspicious event, a religious congregation is held at a place called Dashnami Akhara in Poonch. In this congregation, various rites and rituals, amid devotional songs and religious disclosure, are held. A procession carrying the ‘ Chhari Mubarak’, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, proceeds towards the temple. This procession passes through numerous places, where it is greeted by the local people and dignitaries. Once the procession reaches the Buddha Amarnath temple, the holy mace is carried to the sanctum and offered special prayers.
Even though this festival is primarily celebrated by the Hindus, people belonging to other religion provide their full support and cooperation.
