India, Nov. 5 -- Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday inaugurated the 10-day annual Jhiri Mela at Marh on the outskirts of Jammu city, urging people to follow the path of selfless service and equality as envisioned by the 16th-century farmer-saint Baba Jitto.

Every year, the Jhiri Mela draws around 10-12 lakh devotees from Jammu region, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana, who gather to commemorate Baba Jitto's ultimate sacrifice against oppression nearly five centuries ago. According to legend, Baba Jitto, a humble farmer, ended his life in protest against the unjust demands of a landlord, while his daughter Bua Kouri immolated herself on his funeral pyre in an act of devotion.After paying obeisance at the shri...