Baba Sodal fair celebrated with fervour

Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 27

Lakhs of devotees from across the region visited the annual Baba Sodal fair held in the city today.

Though the main event was observed only for a day, devotees visited the city a week in advance to pay their obeisance to the child deity known to fulfill wishes of childless couples.

The entire locality around the temple was immersed in lighting amid playing of religious hymns on loudspeakers for the last few days. Many individuals, social and religious organisations had put up stalls of free community kitchens for the devotees coming from far-off places and standing in long queues since morning. Many government departments, too, put up stalls to make the people aware about various government policies.

The “smaadh” of the child deity, which is the sanctum sanctorum, was embellished with garlands and rosaries. Prayers were offered here by the pilgrims who waded through the waters of Baba Sodal-da-Sarowar or the tank situated beside the “smaadh” and took a dip in the holy water to complete their pilgrimage. The religiosity of the people of Jalandhar was thoroughly reflected at the mela.

The district administration had made ample arrangements to control the sea of devotees visiting the shrine from the last few days. Adequate police, medical, civic and fire safety arrangements were put up in place to deal with any exigency during the fair.

The fair is hosted on the day the child is said to have got his communion with God. Observed on the 14th of "Shukal Paksh" in the month of "Bhadon", which coincides with the month of September in the English calendar, the Mela is one of the most popular festivals celebrated by residents of the city.

“This festival is celebrated on ‘Anant Chaudas’, but the devotees have started coming a week in advance. People from all walks of life and religions come here with their families and take blessings from Baba Sodal,” said Surinder Chaddha, general secretary, Shri Siddh Baba Sodal Trust.

Legend has it that Sodal, a member of the Chadha clan of the Khatri caste, sacrificed his life by drowning himself in the pond. Although prohibited by his mother, Baba Sodal then six-year-old followed his mother to the pond. Infuriated by his insolence, his mother asked him to drown himself in the pond. After asking his mother thrice and receiving the same answer, Sodal jumped into the pond only to reappear in the form of a snake. The people believed that the child was blessed with divine powers and celebrated his communion with God on this day.