Devotees start thronging Guga Mari ahead of Mela Chhapar in Punjab’s Ludhiana

Having transformed from an inconspicuous religious congregation worshipping Gugga Peer to a renowned rural fare of North India, Mela Chhapar now seems to have been hijacked by entrepreneurs and politicians. 

Even the organisers and administration have failed to preserve the original character and sanctity of the four-day religious and social event that was started with an aim to worship the embodiment of the Nag Devta.

Mela turns into chaotic affair

Having no schedule, the mela has become a chaotic and commercial affair contrary to earlier trend when residents of the region used to wait for the fair and extend hospitality to friends and relatives visiting from distant places. 

Now, enthusiasts reach the Guga Mari shrine directly, pay obeisance, enjoy fast foods at kiosks and return to their native places without even visiting their friends and relatives in the region. 

Though the four-day event commences on Chaudas of Bhadon month as Chaukian, there seems to be no starting or concluding day now. People start coming ahead of the scheduled day and continue till the administration forces its closure.

Folk artists missing

Harmonious folk music and dances, which once used to be an integral part of the mela, have now been swapped with loud dissonance created by a large number of high-pitched loudspeakers. 

Number of devotees goes up

The number of people visiting the mela has multiplied manifold as lakhs of devotees visit the fair every year.

Locals rue inconvenience and loss of heritage  

Octogenarian Rameshwar Sharma said folk art lovers, including dhadis, katha vachaks and folk singers, were no longer a part of the fair. People miss the narration of sacrifices of gurus and heroes, made by them (folk artists). 

No separate day for women and children 

While the first day known as Chaukian used to be reserved for women and children, now men start coming on all days. The trend has compounded problems for the administration as extra force is required for checking eve teasing and chain snatching. 

Social organisations show philanthropy 

Social organisations of the region have started organising medical camps and ambulance services besides serving langar and chhabils at various parts of the venue. 

Platform for political activities 

Politicians do not lag behind in drawing mileage out of the otherwise socio-religious fair.

Conferences are organised by almost all parties during before the election. Regional leaders of all parties start preparing for the congregation months in advance. 

Vikash Krishan Sharma, President, Municipal Council, said state and regional level leaders of all political parties had been propagating their agenda during conferences as people from all walks of life attend the fair.

Face-lifting of the shrine 

Office bearers and activists of Guga Mari Committee, led by Jatinder Sharma Happy, have given a massive face lift to the shrine during the past years. Now, more facilities are available for devotees staying overnight with intent to observe ‘chowki’.