The Colourful Mela Patt Fair!

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oi-Staff

By Staff

Monday, August 31, 2009, 9:56

The annual three-day fair 'Mela-Patt' has started in Bhaderwah sub-division of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district. Colourful dances marked its beginning! The festival is celebrated every year.

Mela Patt was started by Raja Nagpal, the 16th century ruler of the then small principality of Bhaderkashi, now known as Bhaderwah. 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. The festival begins on Naag Panchami, festival dedicated to honour the snake God. Every year during the festival the devotees take out a procession of the gifts presented to Nagpal.

Not only people from Jammu and Kashmir, but from people across north India come to see the festival. There is a saying that if someone asks for a wish it comes true. People danced to the sweet and melodious tunes of the traditional ''Dhaku'' dance, a unique folk dance of the area, a regular feature during the Mela.