Forest Block, :Spl Exclusive Story; Historic Mela Patt Concludes in Bhaderwah, Devotees Seek Blessings of Vasuki Nag Amid Cloudburst Fears
Slug-3108ZS_BHD_MELA_PATT_R
By Raja Rehber Jamal
Location-Bhaderwah
VO: To overcome the fear and trauma caused by the recent cloudburst and flash floods, the three-day ancient and historic Mela Patt concluded with great fervour at Mohalla Khakhal in Bhaderwah. Thousands of devotees thronged the venue on the concluding day to witness the annual celebration of Nag culture and to seek blessings of Lord Vasuki Nag for relief from natural calamities.
A Nag devotee Kamla Verma said, “This historic festival acted as a catalyst to bring us out of the depression caused by the cloudbursts, floods and their aftermath.”
The closing ceremony was attended by Chairman Organizing Committee Advocate Naresh Kumar Gupta, DC Doda Harvinder Singh, SSP Doda Sandeep Mehta, ADC Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutiyal, ASP Vinod Sharma, President Sanatan Dharam Sabha Satish Kotwal, Tehsildar Bhaderwah Kamalpreet Singh and SDPO Shoket Ali, besides thousands of locals and visitors from across Jammu and Kashmir.
The mela, which commemorates the historic meeting between Emperor Akbar and Raja Nagpal of Bhaderwah in the 16th century, is celebrated annually from Nag Panchmi. It coincides with the conclusion of the Kailash Yatra and attracts people from all faiths, reflecting the region’s strong tradition of communal harmony.
Initiated over 600 years ago by Raja Nagpal, then ruler of the erstwhile principality of Bhaderkashi (now Bhaderwah), the Mela Patt has become a living symbol of the ancient Nag culture.
Locals have long demanded that this unique cultural event be accorded Heritage status and placed on the official tourism map.
Despite being centuries old, Nag culture is perhaps the only tradition of Jammu and Kashmir still practiced in its original form.
DC Doda Harvinder Singh described the mela as a “symbol of unwavering faith in Vasuki Nag Ji Maharaj,” adding that in these testing times, devotees are seeking divine blessings to avert future disasters. He also noted that the festival has become a major attraction for historians and cultural scholars.
Meanwhile, Advocate Naresh Kumar Gupta, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, expressed gratitude to the JK Dharmarth Trust, local committees, administration, and police for their support.
He said, “This more than 600-year-old festival is celebrated peacefully without any untoward incident, which shows the communal harmony and respect for Raja Nagpal across all communities.” Special prayers were also held for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation, seeking relief from recurring cloudbursts and floods.
President Sanatan Dharam Sabha Bhaderwah, Satish Kotwal, said:“People were worried after the cloudburst and flash floods here, but we have full faith in Lord Vasuki Nag, that’s why no major loss occurred. Our faith on Vasuki Nag is so strong. Despite floods, cloudburst and torrential rains, this year we have seen even bigger participation. People came with prayers not only for themselves but also for the safety and prosperity of the entire region from ongoing inclement weather conditions and natural disasters.”
The event was marked by traditional folk performances, with devotees dancing to the tunes of the Dhikku, a centuries-old cultural dance form intrinsic to the festival.
Ensuring a smooth and incident-free celebration, SSP Doda Sandeep Mehta confirmed that foolproof security arrangements were put in place around the venue.
Feed.
Shots
Bytes.
1. Harvinder Singh, DC Doda.
2. Sandeep Mehta, SSP Doda.
3. Satish Kotwal, President SDS.
4. Local.
5. Local.
Regards
Raja Rehber Jamal
Chenab Valley
E-mail :- rehberjamal12@gmail.com, rehberjamal12@rediffmail.com
Mob:- 8803163150, 7006027038 , 7051440613