Mela Maghi
Encyclopedia
Mela Maghi held at the holy city of Sri Muktsar Sahib each year in January, or the month of Magh according to Nanakshahi calendar
is one of the most important mela
s (fairs) of India and the most important of all religiously significant gatherings of the Sikhs..
The fair is held to honour the memory of the forty Sikh warriors killed during the Battle of Muktsar
in 1705. Muktsar, originally called Khidrana, was named as Muktsar ("the pool of liberation") following the battle. These forty Sikhs, led by their leader Mahan Singh, had formally deserted Sri Guru Gobind Singh in the need of hour, and signed a written memorandum to the effect. When Mai Bhago, a valiant and upright lady, heard of this cowardly act, she scolded the Singhs and inspired them refresh with spirit of bravery for which Sikhs are known. Hence the unit went back and joined the Guru who was already engaged in action at Khidrana. All forty of them attained martyrdom. The memorandum (bedawa) was torn-down by the Guru himself just before Mahan Singh breathed his last.
People gather from all over Punjab, even other parts of India to join the festival which is in fact spread over many days. Merchants display their wares for sale, which include from trinkets to high-end electronics, the weapons Nihang
s bear and especially agricultural machinery (since most around are farmers). The country's biggest circus
es, Apollo and Gemini, are there as a matter of rule, merry-go-rounds and giant-wheels, and the famous so-called "Well of Death
" (trick motorcycling inside consortium of wood-planks) are special attraction for children.
It is also a very important occasion from political point of view, as all the significant politicos, including the chief minister are there on the main day. Akalis and Congress hold separate stages to throw political dirt at one another.. Such arrangement needs extremely tight police set-up which is met by calling out forces, sometimes even CRPF and BSF battalions from neighboring towns.
Nanakshahi calendar
The Nanakshahi calendar is a tropical solar calendar that was adopted by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee to determine the dates for important Sikh events. It was designed by Pal Singh Purewal to replace the Saka calendar and has been in use since 1998...
is one of the most important mela
Mela
Mela is a Sanskrit word meaning 'gathering' or 'to meet' or a Fair. It is used in the Indian subcontinent for all sizes of gathering and can be religious, commercial, cultural or sports. In rural traditions melas or village fairs were of great importance...
s (fairs) of India and the most important of all religiously significant gatherings of the Sikhs..
The fair is held to honour the memory of the forty Sikh warriors killed during the Battle of Muktsar
Battle of Muktsar
The Battle of Muktsar took place in 1705, following the siege of Anandpur. In 1704 Anandpur was under an extended siege by the allied forces of the Mughals and the hill chiefs.The forty deserters from Anandpur lived in the Majha region in Punjab...
in 1705. Muktsar, originally called Khidrana, was named as Muktsar ("the pool of liberation") following the battle. These forty Sikhs, led by their leader Mahan Singh, had formally deserted Sri Guru Gobind Singh in the need of hour, and signed a written memorandum to the effect. When Mai Bhago, a valiant and upright lady, heard of this cowardly act, she scolded the Singhs and inspired them refresh with spirit of bravery for which Sikhs are known. Hence the unit went back and joined the Guru who was already engaged in action at Khidrana. All forty of them attained martyrdom. The memorandum (bedawa) was torn-down by the Guru himself just before Mahan Singh breathed his last.
People gather from all over Punjab, even other parts of India to join the festival which is in fact spread over many days. Merchants display their wares for sale, which include from trinkets to high-end electronics, the weapons Nihang
Nihang
Nihang is an armed Sikh order. Early Sikh military history is dominated by the Akali Nihang military order, particularly for many famous military victories won while often heavily outnumbered. The Akali Nihang have historically been held in great affection and respect by Sikhs due the pivotal role...
s bear and especially agricultural machinery (since most around are farmers). The country's biggest circus
Circus
A circus is commonly a travelling company of performers that may include clowns, acrobats, trained animals, trapeze acts, musicians, hoopers, tightrope walkers, jugglers, unicyclists and other stunt-oriented artists...
es, Apollo and Gemini, are there as a matter of rule, merry-go-rounds and giant-wheels, and the famous so-called "Well of Death
Well of Death
The Wall of Death or motordrome is a carnival sideshow featuring a drum- or barrel-shaped wooden cylinder, ranging from 20 to 36-feet in diameter, in which stunt motorcyclists ride and carry out tricks.- Overview :...
" (trick motorcycling inside consortium of wood-planks) are special attraction for children.
It is also a very important occasion from political point of view, as all the significant politicos, including the chief minister are there on the main day. Akalis and Congress hold separate stages to throw political dirt at one another.. Such arrangement needs extremely tight police set-up which is met by calling out forces, sometimes even CRPF and BSF battalions from neighboring towns.