Mela patt of Bhaderwah

Mela patt of Bhaderwah

Author Name : Ashwani kumar

Bhadarwah usually called Mini kashmir has its own enriched culture. It is known for the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. In ancient times, it was known as Bhaderkashi. A land of gods and godessess.

MelaPatt is a sacred famous festival of this place. After Kailash KundYatra, MelaPatt is celebrated inBhaderwah with great enthusiasm at KhakhalBhaderwah in front of Durga Mata Temple. In this sacred fair, which is celebrated for three days, people irrespective of caste and creed participate in huge numbers all over from Chenab Valley of the State and from other states. Even foreign tourists are also attracted to this mela. MelaPatt is an annual fair which is celebrated in the memory of memorable meeting of King Akbar with Raja Naag Pal, the then ruler of Bhadarwah. According to history, Raja Naag Pal first initiated this festival in 16th Century. As per Holy Vasuki Puran, Raja Naag Pal was the ruler of Bhadarwah and Akbar was the King of India. Akbar used to call the kings to his durbar in Delhi as a matter of routinue. Once on the call of Akbar, Raja Naag Pal also went to Delhi to attend the Royal Durbar. In the Durbar, many kings of other states of India were also present along with their durbaris. When durbar started all the kings after bowing to Akbar took their seats. Raja Naag Pal was as a matter of custom, expected to bow before the king Akbar which he did not. Because for him, Lord Vasuki Naag Ji was his only master so Raja Naag Pal entered the Durbar without bowing and took his seat. On seeing this King Akbar asked Raja Naag Pal the reason for not bowing before him. Raja Naag Pal replied that he only bows to Lord Shri Vasuki Naag Ji. On hearing this Akbar ordered his courtiers that next day Raja Naag Pal should enter the Royal Durbar Hall through a small window. But instead of main entrance. This would make Raja Naag Pal to bow automatically but next day Raja entered through window instead of bowing his head, his legs appeared from the window. This enraged King Akbar and he asked Raja Naag Pal to prove his spirituality before any action is taken against him.