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| 3-day Mela Patt concludes | | Thousands witness fair, coinciding with ‘Nag Panchmi’ | | Early Times Reporter
Bhaderwah | Sep 18
Three days holy Mela Patt concluded here today. The Mela is being celebrated every year to commemorate the historic meet between Emperor Akbar and Raja Nagpal of Bhaderwah in 16th century at Delhi. Thousands of people drawn from different parts of the state participated in it. .
Mela Patt festival is devoted to Lord Vaskui Naag, the presiding deity of Bhaderwah Valley, being celebrated on Nag Panchmi every year.
This Mela was first initiated by Raja Nagpal in 16th century as the ruler of that small principality called the then Bhaderkashi which is now known as Bhaderwah. The mela is organized on the conclusion of the Kalash Yatra and people with out any caste, color and creed participate and witness the Mela.
This year strict security arrangements were made by the local administration to avoid any untoward incident as according to SSP Doda Monhar Singh there was threat perception to this holy Mela Patt so we beefed up the security around the venue of Mela in Khakahl Mohall .Contingents of CRPF and SOG were also deployed in strength for ensuring peaceful conclusion of the Mela.
According to Vasuki Puran, Raja Nagpal would not bow before anyone except his Lord Vasuki Nag. The Mughal emperor Akbar once summoned Raja Nagpal to Delhi . Since it was mandatory for all small rulers to bow before the emperor, Raja Nag pal had also to bow before the king which he refused. Nagpal entered the Darbar hall and took his seat without bowing to the emperor. This act on the part of Nagpal offended Emperor Akbar. His courtiers suggested a stern action against the Raja.
But, before Akbar could take any drastic decision against the Raja, his ministers tactfully sought Nagpal's appearance at the darbar the next day before the Emperor. Raja had a restless night and in a wink of sleep, he saw Nag Vasuki in a dream and got his blessings to attend Akbar's court, the next day.
Akbar’s minister’s 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 and he asked him for proving his spirituality of his spiritual lords before any action could be taken against him.
In a state of dismay, Raja Nagpal concentrated his mind on Vasukinag, mediated and prayed for the solution to his problem. His prayer was granted and to the surprise of everyone, the colorful turban of Nagpal came out a big serpent with many heads.
The emperor's wrath was cooled down and he asked Raja Nagpal to pardon his ignorance. The serpent disappeared and Akbar exempted him from offering annual obeisance. Akbar was impressed by the spiritual powers of Raja and accorded him his due place. He was awarded much wealth from the emperor. Akbar offered Nagpal a golden Kalash along with precious stones and costly velvet robes embroidered with gold and silver as a token of his devotion to Vasukinag. Raja Nagpal was departed with full honour besides sending royal forces to ensure his safe arrival at his home in Bhaderwah. Thus, friendship between Nagpal and Akbar was formed.
On reaching Bhaderwah, on the day of Nag Panchmi, the Raja arranged a public display of the previous gifts, costly silken garment, crown and other articles offered by the emperor Akbar in reverence to Vasukinag at Mohalla Khakhal. All the wealth Nagpal received from the emperor was dedicated by him to the royal palace.
Since then, this day is being celebrated in Bhaderwah in devotion to Vasukinag by exhibiting the gifted items on Nag Panchmi every year which a turned into big fair or Mela. `Mela Patt' is celebrated every year after Kailash Yatra. People dance to the sweet and melodious tunes of ancient Dakhu. This traditional Dhaku dance, a unique folk dance of the area is a regular feature during the Mela.
The royal robbing that was presented by King Akbar to Raja Nagpal of Bhadarwah in his honour is displayed during three day long ‘Mela Patt’.
The concluding function among others was attended by Naresh Gupta , Javed Azad, Koshal Dogra ,Chaman Sharma ,Mast Nath Yogi ,VP Koul ,Raju Charak, Satish Chnader Kotwal and Dhanter Singh .
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