Excelsior Correspondent
BHADARWAH, Sept 10: The 3-day long historic ‘Mela Patt’ concluded here today with religious festivity and joy.
Thousands of people visited on the concluding day of the festival, to witness the annual cultural event depicting rich ancient Nag Culture and age old communal harmony.
The mela is celebrated every year to commemorate the historic meeting between Emperor Akbar and Raja Nagpal of Bhadarwah in 16th century at Delhi and is devoted to Lord Vasuki Naag, is being celebrated from Nag Panchmi every year.
Speaking on the occasion, Naresh Gupta, ex MLC and main organizer of the mela said, “Despite being centuries old, Nag culture is perhaps the only culture of Jammu and Kashmir which is still being practiced in its original form, but despite all its uniqueness and rich history, tourism department and successive Governments never bothered to present it to the outer world to attract tourists.”
“If clubbed together, Kailash Yatra and Mela Patt can become a major attraction for ancient cultural lovers and history scholars from all over the world as the ancient cultural still remains to be fully explored. Hope Government will take some positive steps in future,” he added.
During Mela devotees were also seen performing the ancient traditional folk dance called ‘Dheku’ which remained a regular feature during the Mela.
It is pertinent to mention that this Mela was first initiated by Raja Nagpal in 16th century as the ruler of the small principality called the then Bhaderkashi which is now known as Bhadarwah.
Nag devotees have been demanding that the unique cultural event which is a symbol of ancient Nag culture should be given Heritage status and be included in the annual tourism map.
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