Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH, Sept 20: Three-day holy Mela Patt, which is celebrated every year to commemorate the historic meet between emperor Akbar and king Nagpa 1 of Bhaderwah held in 16th century at Delhi, started here today.
Thousands of people drawn from different parts of the State participated in the Mela.
The Mela is devoted to Lord Vasku i 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 Nagpa 1, the ruler of that small principality called the then 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 Vasuk i Puran, Raja Nagpa 1 did not use to bow before anyone except his lord Vasuk i Nag. Once Mughal emperor, Akbar summoned Nagpa 1 to Delhi. It was mandatory for all small rulers to bow before the emperor, but Raja Nagpa 1 entered the Darbar and took his seat without bowing to the emperor, which offended the Emperor. His courtiers suggested stern action against Nagpa.
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, his legs projected from the window, the next day. This enraged Akbar and he asked him for proving his spirituality of his lords before any action could be taken against him.
Raja remembered his lord Vasuk i 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 to 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, which has turned with time into a big fair.
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