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| 3-day Mela Patt commences in Bhaderwah | | | Majid Malik
Bhaderwah, Sept 10: A three day historical festival known as Mela Patt commenced here today with pomp and show. It is celebrated with fervor where elders say-that Raja Nagpal of Bhaderwah started this festival in 16th century with the blessings of Lord Nag Vasuki.
According to the legend, the Mughal Emperor Akbar had summoned Raja Nagpal at his Darbar. Nagpal entered the Darbar and took his seat without bowing to the emperor. But before Akbar could take any action against Nagpal, his ministers sought Nagpal's appearance before the emperor next day.
Raja had a restless night and in a wink of sleep, he saw Nag Vasuki in dream and got his blessings to attend Akbar's court the next day. It was decided that Raja would enter the hall through a small window, compelling him to bow automatically. Next day instead of bowing his head, his legs projected from the window. This enraged Akbar, but before the emperor could issue some orders, a hooded serpent appeared in the stately turban of the Raja. Thinking that Raja was some wizard, he was asked to take off his turban. Before this command could be executed, a dreadful viper with five hoods made their appearance. The emperor's wrath cooled. He was impressed by the spiritual powers of Raja. He was accorded his due place and the tribute from him was remitted. He was awarded much wealth by the emperor. Thus, friendship between Nagpal and Akbar was formed. All the wealth Nagpal received from the emperor was dedicated by him to the royal palace. Mela Patt is celebrated every year at the compound of Khakal Mohalla in remembrance of the spiritual victory of Raja Nagpal over Akbar. The fair goes on for three days every year. People belonging to all castes including Hindus and Muslims celebrate the three-day fair with much festivity and joy. Amidst the beatings of drums and blowing of horns, complimented by the harmonious notes of the flute, an energetic person carries the `Patt' or the silk on his head from the house of Raj Guru or the Royal Priest in a procession led by musicians to the dancing compound.
Some of the fairs and festivals of Bhadarwah are unique. Bhadarwah has its own language, which has certain words that no other language of the world has. Bhadarwahi translation of Bhagwat Geeta by late Pandit Gauri Shanker Shashtri and that of Mahabharta and Ramayana episode by late Master Hans Raj Sharma from a precious part of literary treasure of Bhadarwah. To promote Bhadarwahi , a literary society called Bhadarwahi Sanstha has published some books namely: Hian(1973) Bhadarwahi Lok Sahitya (1975) Gontho (1997) Bhadarwahi Lok Geet (2002) besides "A study of Bhadarwahi Folk songs (1969) Bhadarwah has remained a kingdom of the Naga dynasty. Though Bhadarwah has no written history, its rich past is depicted in its fairs, festivals and other unique rituals. The practice of Village Gods has not allowed to change the age old traditions and rituals continue even today though they are gradually getting faded up in the glare of rapid modernization. Besides celebrating national festivals like Dewali, Dusehra, Eid and Janamasthmi, many local fairs and festivals are celebrated in Bhadarwah. |
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