Devotees throng Guga Peer shrine

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

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A chaotic affair

Having no schedule, the mega 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 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.

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. The number of people visiting the mela has multiplied manifold as lakhs of devotees visit the fair every year. Octogenarian Rameshwar Sharma said folk art lovers including dhadis, katha vachaks and folk singers were no longer a part of the fair and people miss narration of sacrifices of gurus and heroes, made by them (folk artists). 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 of the region have started organising medical camps and ambulance services besides serving langar and chabeels 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. Regional leaders of all parties start preparing for the congregation months in advance. Vikash Krishan Sharma, president, Municipal Council, said state level and regional leaders of all political parties had been propagating their agenda during conferences as people from all walks of life attend the fair. Activists of Guga Mari Committee led by chief patron, Jatinder Sharma Happy, have given a massive face lift to the shrine during past years and now more facilities are available for devotees staying overnight with intent to observe ‘chowki’.