Bhaderwah is a region of fairs and festivals in Jammu. Its fairs and festivals have profoundly enriched the culture of the people. During these days people, irrespective of caste, creed participate in large numbers. “Mela Patt” having medieval origin occupies position among the fairs of Doda District.
The Mela Patt, which is celebrated every year for three days to commemorate the historic meet between Mughal emperor Akbar and King Nagpal of Bhaderwah in the 16th century at Delhi, started here on Wednesday. After a long gape this year large masses participate in the fair under the instructions issued by district administration Doda,devoted to Lord Vaskui Naag, the presiding deity of Bhaderwah Valley. The Mela is organized every year after 5 days of the conclusion of annual Kailash Yatra and people from all walks of life participate in the fair.
What Folklore Says About It:
Raja Nagpal would not bow before anybody except his King Deity, Vasuki Nag. To compel Nagpal to bow before him King Akbar hit upon a plan. So, one day the King called a meeting of all princes of the hilly states to be held in his darbar (court) at Fatehpur Sikri. There, he made a small window through which all the Rajas had to pass for entering the meeting hall. Whereas all others went through the window pushing their heads, Raja Nagpal entered the hall by first putting his feet through the window in a way that he had not to bow. This annoyed Akbar who asked Raja Nagpal believing that it was an insult to the throne. So, he asked Nagpal to explain the cause of his rudeness. “ Badshah Salamat, I had no intention to insult the throne I did it because I do not bow before anybody except my deity, Vasuki nag Maharaj.” Replied Raja Nagpal humbly but resolutely. This infuriated Akbar further more. So he ordered, “Show the powers of your Vasuki Nag by tomorrow or be ready to face the consequences”. Akbar roared.
That night, according to the legend Vasuki Nag came in Raja Nagpal’s dream wherein He asked the Raja to wear a colorful turban and approach the King with a royal gait. In the morning, Raja Nagpal acted accordingly. He wore a seven colored turban and went to attend the meeting. Surprisingly however, when he entered the hall all the Rajas stood up from their seats. Unmindful of what was happening around Raja Nagpal continued walking towards the King to salute him but when he came close to him the King stood up with folded hands with his legs trembling with fear. Although Raja Nagpal could not understand anything all in the Assembly including Akbar saw a seven headed snake emerging out of the colored turban that Raja Nagpal was wearing. It is said that King Akbar was so convinced by the spiritual powers of Raja Nagpal that he presented to him everything that is displayed during Mela Patt as a mark of his obeisance to Vasuki Nag, every year.
Things to know about this 3 days long historical festival of Bhaderwah?
To commemorate the historic meet between Mughal emperor Akbar and king Nag Pal,three day historic Mela Patt started at ancient mohalla of Bhaderwah.
The festival was first celebrated in 16th century by king Nag Pal,the ruler of Bhaderwah then known as Bhadar-Kashi.
