NGO carries out cleanliness drive at Panjpeer Dargah after Sawan Fair

Raj Sadosh

Abohar, August 11

Tonnes of garbage accumulated during the two-day Sawan Fair at Panjpeer Dargah last month was yet to be removed. The ‘Apna Abohar Apni Abha’ team led by legislator Sandeep Jakhar took up the task on Saturday.

The Panjpeer shrine in Abohar is a dargah dedicated to the five peers. According to local legends, they destroyed the ancient city of Abunagar or Abha Nagari that formerly occupied the place now known as Abohar. The shrine is visited by followers of various religions.

Historians claim that in the 12th century, King Hari Chand — ruler of Abunagar — fell ill with leprosy and was advised that the disease could only be cured by the holy blood of the horses of the Panjpeers of Multan. His daughter decided to go to Multan and stole 81 horses and brought them to Abunagar. Unfortunately, the king had succumbed to the disease before her return. The Panjpeers sent requests that their horses be returned, but the princess refused.

It is said that the Panjpeers travelled to Abunagar to plead for their return, but the princess refused. Angered, the Panjpeers destroyed the place with their holy powers. Due to their curse the region became deserted. Five tombs were later constructed, which attract hundreds of devotees every Thursday. An annual fair is also organised in July-end by the family of Bool Chand Sama, who had come here from Pakpattan after the creation of Pakistan and served as a caretaker.

The Apna Abohar, Apni Abha team has organised over 125 camps in various localities and decided to clean the ground where the Sawan Mela was organised. MLA Jakhar said the managing committee of the fair should advise the vendors to stop using one-time-use (disposable) plastic crockery as it proves harmful for the environment and blocks sewage drains. The vendors should be made to clean the ground after the fair ends.