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Initiation of Mela Patt
dates back to the sixteenth century when Akbar the great, was much impressed
by the miraculous spritiual power of Raja Nagpal, the ruler of
Bhaderwah Principality, at the Mughal Court, attributed to the blessings of
the serpent God Nag Raj Vasuki . Much wealth was awarded to Raja
Nagpal as a token of respect to the serpent god from imperial treasure by
Emperor Akbar. The wealth comprised metallic vessels gold and silver
ornaments, silk fabrics and musical instruments etc.
On the evening of
“Patharchoth” or “Vinayak Choth” the “Jahari” (the conical metallic pot) is
carried by a representative belonging to Raj-purohit family in Bhaderwah.
The calmness of the dark starry night is broken with slogans, “Jai Bolo
Nagae Basik Ki Jai, Phir Bolo Sanchae Durbar ki Jai,” The procession passes
through the Main Bazars of the town. It concludes at the Vasuki Dhera Temple
. Next morning after routine worship in the Temple , the Jahari moves to the
house of Rajgurus' in Mohalla Khakhal. The team of selected person of the
locality called “Dashan” prepare the traditional “Patt Jhanki.” The patt, a
heavy load of conical shape with Jahari on the top decently decorated with
marigold flowers garlands and ‘Haraii' adorned with hundreds of cloth –
pieces of gorgeous colours is now ready for exhibition.
With the break of dawn on
Nag Panchami i.e. Rishi Panchmi a devoted person carries this “Patt” on his
head in a procession led by the ‘Chela' (Mystic Man) of the deity and the
musicians proceed to “Ganesh Math” for paying homage to God. “Ganpati” then
the procession raches the compound of the Vasuk Dhera Temple . The
Traditional dance is performed before the Naga Deity and this procession
later, concludes at the house of Rajgurus in Khakhal. The devotees throng
there to have Darshan of “Patt” and pay their homage to Nag Raj Basuki and
Raja Nagpal.
The actual fair starts in
evening at about 5 O' clock. People form every corner of the region,
irrespective of casts, creed or sex come to witness the fair with zeal and
reverence, shower flower petals over the “Patt' and the procession. Mela
Patt is a dance in multi coloured cloth pieces and is performed at the
harmonious beatings of drums, playing on flutes and blowing of horns and
conches. The man carrying the “Patt” is encircled by the “Dashans” who help
the dancing person in getting him refreshed by supporting the “Patt” in a
very typical style. The resting period is of very short duration and dance
continues in this manner. This fair continues for three days and these days
are of public rejoicing.
On the concluding day of
festival, the chief and traditional “Dhakku” dance is performed by the
people of the area. “Dhakku” dance has an ancient origin and the people of
Bhaderwah have maintained its originality, simplicity separate identity and
enchanting effects on the heart and soul. Dhakku dance also known as
traditional dance of Dogras has a respectable place in the folk dances of
India . |
