J&K: Annual Mela Patt Festival Begins in Bhaderwah

Mela Patt, a great and ancient cultural festival of Bhaderwah Valley in Jammu and Kashmir has already started today at Khakhal Mohalla in the Doda district. The Nag culture and historic union of Mughal Emperor Akbar with King Nag Pal of Bhaderwah is celebrated through a three day festival named after the presiding deity of the area, Lord Vasuki Nag. The festival is a continuation of a 600 year old tradition of the region, as the region exhibits a peculiar mix of religious and cultural diversity.

Key Points:

• Historical and Religious Significance:

  • The Mela Patt festival is traced back to the 16 th century when the festival was first observed by King Nag Pal in Bhaderwah called as Bhadarkashi. It shows the historic meeting of the Emperor Akbar and the King Nag Pal as a reminder of the role of unity, spirituality, and courage in the history of the region. The festival is an offering to Lord Vasuki Nag who is also known as the protector and spiritual guardian of the area.

• Inclusive Nature of the Festival:

  • It is the Mela Patt, a representation of community peace in the area, given that people of different religious and caste groups may come to enjoy. Irrespective of whether they are religious or not, people gather to offer homage to Raja Nag Pal, demonstrating unity in the spirit in the region. The festival is celebrated on Nag Panchami, seven days after the Kailash Yara and is a peaceful gathering of the communities in an effort to celebrate tradition and culture.

• The Dikko Dance - A unity of Identity:

  • One striking aspect is Mela Patt which is the so-called Dikko Dance where men and women of every status, caste, religion, etc. are involved in the performance. The dance is not only a performance but also a symbol of peace, pride and harmony in the community. Its broad spectrum highlights the need to have cooperation, unity, and respect amongst various communities. The dance is an execution of the values that the people of Bhaderwah share.

• 600 Years of Peaceful Celebrations:

  • One of the rare festivals in the area that has a very peaceful history throughout centuries is Mela Patt. Since the festival has been going on since more than 600 years, there have been no uncouth moments, this shows the reverence people have towards Raja Nag Pal and the un-teachable communal solidarity of the people of Bhaderwah. Social cohesion and religious tolerance in the region, which has been a strong tradition, have served as testament to this long-standing tradition.

• Cultural Legacy and Preservation:

  • The Mela Patt festival is a religious celebration as well as a festival of cultural heritage of Bhaderwah. It brings forward local traditions, folk music, dances and handicrafts, and gives the platform to local artisans and performers. The festival also contributes to the retention of local cultural identity besides developing tourism and economic activity, especially in hand crafts and local enterprises, which are vibrant during the festival.

Conclusion

The festival of Mela Patt is not only a religious phenomenon but also the expression of the profound cultural roots, oneness and historical importance of Bhaderwah. In its commemoration of Lord Vasuki Nag and harmony of the various communities, the festival has been active in enhancing the social fabric of the area. Dikko Dance and other cultural performances represent the all inclusive festival and, therefore, the festival is a major festival in the wider frame of Jammu and Kashmir vibrant culture. The Mela Patt festival is as fundamental to the religious practices as well as the cultural pride of the region as it goes ahead and the festival attracts cohesion and peace among the people of the region.