Faith conquers fear at Mela Chhapar with devotees thronging flood-hit region

Faith conquered fear on the first day of Mela Chhapar when thousands of devotees thronged Guga Mari Mandir at the historic village near here to worship the snake, the embodiment of ‘Nag Devta’. Though the Punjab Government has declared all districts of the state as flood hit, devotees started arriving to pay obeisance at the shrine early in the morning and enjoyed relishing cuisine at vends here.

Owners and organisers of merry-go-rounds, mini circuses and fun-rides did brisk business on the first day known as chowkis that is traditionally reserved for women and children.

The police, which was still busy planning security arrangements, found it difficult to control the unexpectedly large gathering during the daytime. Being one of the largest rural fairs of the North India and its organisation despite flood fury in the state, groups of devotees started arriving at the shrine to worship the reptilian friend of farmers by digging earth early in the morning. Women outnumbered men till noon after which males dominated the shrine.

Rigging earlier apprehension about organisation of the mega event, a large number of merry-go-rounds, funfair stalls, vends selling eatables and toys started doing business before the onset of the fair.

Political leaders, who had earlier announced to hold state-level conferences of their respective outfits during the Mela Chhapar, decided to withdraw their decision due to floods in the state.

Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon, the CPI (M) state chief, said the arrangements for conferences, which were earlier started under the guidance of Ludhiana district secretary Baljit Shahi and Malerkotla district secretary Abdul Sattar, had been stopped.

“Keeping in view the deteriorating flood situation in the state we have decided that our workers will share responsibility of rescue operations in flood-hit areas instead of convening a conference during Mela Chhapar,” said Sekhon.

The Shiromani Akali Dal, the Congress and the BJP have also cancelled their Chhapar Mela conferences. Having transformed from an inconspicuous religious congregation worshipping Guga Peer to a renowned rural fare of the North India, Mela Chhapar 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”.

Mela turns into a chaotic affair

Having no schedule, the mega-event has become a chaotic and commercial affair contrary to earlier trends when residents of the region used to wait for the fair and extend hospitality to friends and relatives visiting from distant places. 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 at the shrine many days ahead of the day when the mela is scheduled. Now, the administration has to forcibly close the mela.

Folk artistes 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.

No separate day for women and children

While the first day known as Chaukian used to be reserved for women and children, now men are present at the mela on all days.

Social organisations indulge in philanthropy

Social organisations of the region are organising medical camps at the mela site. Besides serving langar and chhabils at various parts of the mela venue, ambulance services are being provided to those who require medical attention.

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 on the middle day of the fair during the pre-election periods.

Shrine gets face-lift

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