Excelsior Correspondent
-Excelsior/Tilak Raj
BHADERWAH, Aug 30: Three-day holy Mela Pat, which is celebrated every year to commemorate the historic meet between emperor Akbar and king Nagpal of Bhaderwah during 16th century at Delhi, started here today.
Thousands of people drawn from different parts of the State participated in the Mela, which is devoted to Lord Vaskui Naag, the presiding deity of Bhaderwah valley and is celebrated on Nag Panchmi every year.
The Mela was first initiated in 16th century by king Nagpal, the ruler of a small principality called Bhaderkashi, presently known as Bhaderwah.
The Mela is organised on the conclusion of Kailash Yatra and people without any difference of caste, colour and creed participate and witness the Mela. The traditional Dhaku dance, a unique folk dance of the area is a regular feature during the Mela.
According to legend, Raja Nagpal did not use to bow before anyone except his lord Vasuki Nag. Once Mughal emperor, Akbar summoned Nagpal to Delhi. It was mandatory for all small rulers to bow before the emperor, but Raja Nagpal entered the Darbar and took his seat without bowing to the emperor, which offended the Emperor. His courtiers suggested stern action against Raja Nagpal but the latter justified his action by claiming that he does not bow before anybody except his lord Shree Vasuki Nag Ji Maharaj.
The next day Akbar’s Minister decided that Raja would enter the Hall through a small window, compelling him to bow automatically. But instead of bowing his head, he projected his legs from the window. This enraged Akbar and he asked him for proving the power of his lord before any action could be taken against him.
Raja remembered his lord Shree Vasuki Nag and to the surprise of everyone, the colourful turban of Raja turned out into a big serpent with many heads. This cooled down the wrath of Akbar and he asked Raja to pardon his ignorance. He accorded due place to Raja in his Darbar and awarded him a lot of wealth before leaving for Bhaderwah.
On reaching Bhaderwah on the day of Nag Panchmi, the Raja arranged a public display of the costly gifts and wealth offered by the Emperor and since then this day is celebrated in Bhaderwah.
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