Shaken by floods, faith brings people to Jor Mela

Despite the devastating floods and people counting losses in the historic border town of Ramdass, thousands attended the annual historic Jor Mela (congregational fair) at Gurudwara Sri Samadh Baba Budha Ji Sahib here.

“Who can say this is the same town which was submerged in floods waters a fortnight ago. Look at the enthusiasm among the people who thronged the place from all over the region to pay obeisance to revered figures in Sikh history,” said Suba Singh, a resident of Sanghera village in Gurdaspur. Faith drove devotees, more so in this hour of adversity.

Every village leading to the historic town from Fatehgarh Churian road had organised langar for the people to commemorate the day. Baldev Singh, a cycle shop owner and resident of Ghonewal village, which was among the worst affected villages in the recent floods, said this time the number of devotees was less as compared to the previous years. “Still, it is amazing how people have arrived despite recent challenges caused by the floods. It shows where the self-belief comes from,” he said.

Earlier, it was thought that the Mela would be postponed due to continuous rainfall after flooding but because of sunny weather for the last three days, SGPC authorities decided to hold the fair.

Manjit Singh, who had arrived to perform sewa during the floods, said this is what Chardi Kala (high spirit) is all about. “No matter how big the challenge or difficult the circumstances, the people of Punjab came out of it with a smile on their faces,” he added. The entire stretch from Ramdass Chowk to the historic gurdwara was choked with traffic and devotees in large numbers came on tractor trolleys to pay obeisance at the shrine.

Stalls of eatables, toys, crockery, cloths were put up on both sides of the road. People were seen wading through the rush.

Revered figure in history

• Baba Budha Saheb was the first Head Granthi of Golden Temple. Born as Bura Ji, later respectfully called Budha (The Wise Elder) by Guru Nanak Dev, Baba Budha served the first six Sikh Gurus.
• The Mela commemorates the life and passing of one of Sikh history’s most revered figures. The fair, held in September, marks the date of his cremation and draws devotees from across the region.