Muktsar comes alive with Maghi Mela celebrations

For many visiting Punjab, experiencing Diwali in Amritsar and Maghi in Muktsar is a must. This time of the year draws large crowds to Muktsar, where people gather to witness the Maghi Mela and pay their respects at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.

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As you travel along the roads, you’ll find numerous ‘langars’ (community kitchens) and religious ceremonies taking place at all the gurdwaras, which are beautifully illuminated for the occasion. The three-day polo matches also concluded today in Lambi Dhabh village, where a livestock market has been set up, attracting breeders from Punjab and beyond, particularly for horses and dogs.

In addition, the district administration is hosting two plays this year - Sirhind Di Deewar and Mai Tera Banda, to be staged at Dera Bhai Mastan Singh Public School on January 13 and 14, respectively.

The town is bustling with activity, and traffic congestion is common, though the rain on Saturday has continued to cause problems. For instance, the Mela ground on Malout Road, where swings are set up, remains wet and muddy.

Security measures have transformed the town into a virtual police fortress, with nearly 4,300 officers deployed. Numerous ‘nakas’ (checkpoints) have been established on all major roads, and CCTV cameras are installed throughout the area.

To manage the influx of visitors, the district administration has created temporary bus stands on all major roads, as vehicles are not permitted to enter the town on Tuesday. “We have planned a free shuttle service for commuters, with 15 e-rickshaws and 30 buses,” said Rajesh Tripathi, Deputy Commissioner of Muktsar.

However, commuters are facing some difficulties on Malout road due to the ongoing construction of two bridges at Rupana village.