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Holy Mela Patt in Bhaderwah

Young Bites. Dated: 9/19/2018 12:12:48 PM

Bhaderwah is a region of fairs and festivals in Jammu . Its fairs and festivals have profoundly enriched the culture of the people. Mela Patt is a famous festival of Bhaderwah. During these days people, irrespective of caste, creed participate in it in large numbers. “Mela Patt” having medieval origin occupies position among the fairs of Doda District. This is the daytime fair celebrated at “Khakhal”, a centrally located place in the township of Bhaderwah . The celebration is unique and historically traditional festival starts on the fifth day immediately after “Kailash Yatra” that is on the day of “Vinayak Chuturthi” or “Patharchoth”. Three-day holy Mela Pat, which is celebrated every year to commemorate the historic meet between emperor Akbar and king Nagpal of Bhaderwah started with great pomp and show.Scenic and serene, Bhaderwah has the distinction of being, the eco-adventure destination among the Himalayan range of north India. Lush Green Meadows, rolling hills, widespread conifers and challenging rocks.Bhaderwah being a mountainous valley posses tremendous potential for adventure seekers . The destination is identified as ideal paragliding spots, snow skiing slopes, Mountaineering and trekking expeditions besides cross country car & motorbike rallies also opportunities for sports like mountain biking are ample on the high altitude meadows on the periphery of Bhaderwah.Initiation of Mela Patt dates back to the sixteenth century when Akbar the great, was much impressed by the miraculous spritiual power of Raja Nagpal, the ruler of Bhaderwah Principality, at the Mughal Court, attributed to the blessings of the serpent God Nag Raj Vasuki . Much wealth was awarded to Raja Nagpal as a token of respect to the serpent god from imperial treasure by Emperor Akbar. The wealth comprised metallic vessels gold and silver ornaments, silk fabrics and musical instruments etc.On the evening of “Patharchoth” or “Vinayak Choth” the “Jahari” (the conical metallic pot) is carried by a representative belonging to Raj-purohit family in Bhaderwah. The calmness of the dark starry night is broken with slogans, “Jai Bolo Nagae Basik Ki Jai, Phir Bolo Sanchae Durbar ki Jai,” The procession passes through the Main Bazars of the town. It concludes at the Vasuki Dhera Temple . Next morning after routine worship in the Temple , the Jahari moves to the house of Rajgurus' in Mohalla Khakhal. The team of selected person of the locality called “Dashan” prepare the traditional “Patt Jhanki.” Mela Patt is a dance in multi coloured cloth pieces and is performed at the harmonious beatings of drums, playing on flutes and blowing of horns and conches. The man carrying the “Patt” is encircled by the “Dashans” who help the dancing person in getting him refreshed by supporting the “Patt” in a very typical style. The resting period is of very short duration and dance continues in this manner. This fair continues for three days and these days are of public rejoicing.On the concluding day of festival, the chief and traditional “Dhakku” dance is performed by the people of the area. “Dhakku” dance has an ancient origin and the people of Bhaderwah have maintained its originality, simplicity separate identity and enchanting effects on the heart and soul. Dhakku dance also known as traditional dance of Dogras has a respectable place in the folk dances of India . Thousands of people drawn from different parts of the State participated in the Mela at at “Khakhal”, a centrally located place in the township of Bhaderwah , which is devoted to Lord Vaskui Naag, the presiding deity of Bhaderwah valley and is celebrated on Nag Panchmi every year.The Mela was first initiated in 16th century by king Nagpal, the ruler of a small principality called Bhaderkashi, presently known as Bhaderwah.The Mela is organised on the conclusion of Kailash Yatra and people without any difference of caste, colour and creed participate and witness the Mela. The traditional Dhaku dance, a unique folk dance of the area is a regular feature during the Mela. According to legend, Raja Nagpal did not use to bow before anyone except his lord Vasuki Nag. Once Mughal emperor, Akbar summoned Nagpal to Delhi. It was mandatory for all small rulers to bow before the emperor, but Raja Nagpal entered the Darbar and took his seat without bowing to the emperor, which offended the Emperor. His courtiers suggested stern action against Raja Nagpal but the latter justified his action by claiming that he does not bow before anybody except his lord Shree Vasuki Nag Ji Maharaj.“Dhakku” dance has an ancient origin and the people of Bhaderwah have maintained its originality, simplicity separate identity and enchanting effects on the heart and soul.Colourful folk dances marked the annual three-day fair 'Mela Patt' celebrations in Bhaderwah sub-division of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district. The festival begins on Naag Panchami, festival dedicated to honour the snake God. According to folklore, Mughal emperor Akbar wanted to make Raja Nagpal bow to him, but Nagpal would not bow before anyone except his Lord Vasuki Naag. The emperor summoned Nagpal and ordered to sever his head. But, when king's men tried to cut his head a serpent came out from his turban. Impressed by Nagpal's spiritual powers, Akbar awarded him with a golden pot with precious stones and costly velvet robes embroidered with gold and silver as a token of his devotion to Vasuki Naag.Every year during the festival the devotees take out a procession of the gifts presented to Nagpal. The festival sees enthusiasts from across north-India, as they believe that their wishes will come true if they pray earnestly."Not only people from Jammu and Kashmir, but from people across north India come to see the festival.