Dr Rakesh Verma
The Jhiri Mela stands as a significant cultural event in the Jammu region, celebrated annually on Kartik Purnima to honor the folk hero Bawa Jitto. This mela is not merely a festive gathering but a vibrant testament to the Dogra spirit, encapsulating the values of courage, honesty, and community. Historically rooted in the sacrifices made by Bawa Jitto, whose struggle against oppression resonates through the ages, the mela has evolved into a pivotal occasion for both remembrance and cultural expression. It is believed that Bawa Jitto ji sacrificed his life on the heap of grains at the place which is presently known as Bawe ka Talab and his pyre was lit at the place, where a temple has been constructed. The daughter of Bawa Jitto ji known as Bua Kodi also sacrificed her life by jumping on the burning pyre.
Located in Jhiri village, approximately 22 kilometers from Jammu city along the Akhnoor-Poonch road, the mela attracts over five lakh attendees from various regions, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi. This influx of visitors underscores the event’s significance as a unifying force that transcends geographical boundaries. The shrine of Bawa Jitto, surrounded by various religious structures erected by devotees over the years, serves as the focal point of this celebration, symbolizing the enduring legacy of a hero who championed justice and truth.
In an era characterized by rapid urbanization, the Jhiri Mela plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting traditional cultural practices. It creates a space where the community can gather, celebrate, and engage in age-old rituals, thus reinforcing their cultural identity. The nine-day event features an array of activities, including ritualistic dips in Baba Da Talab, local markets selling traditional wares, and various forms of entertainment that reflect the rich heritage of the region.
The Folk Hero of Dogra Culture
Bawa Jitto’s life story is a vivid narrative of resilience, determination, and ultimate sacrifice in the face of injustice. Born as Jit Mal in Aghar village near Katra, he was a farmer known for his honesty and hard work. His commitment to truth and integrity was tested when he faced the oppressive authority of Mehta Bir Singh, a feudal lord who sought to exploit Jitto’s labor for his personal gain. Despite the agreement they had made, wherein Jitto was to receive a quarter of the produce from the land he cultivated, Mehta’s greed led him to demand three-fourths of the harvest.
This betrayal marked a turning point in Jitto’s life, as he found himself cornered with no allies to support him against the formidable power of Mehta. His desperate plea for justice was ignored, pushing him to the brink of hopelessness. In a poignant act of defiance, Jitto resorted to the ultimate sacrifice-he took his own life atop the very crops he had nurtured, staining them with his blood. His final words echoed through the valley, a haunting reminder of his struggle for fairness and respect.
Folklore has immortalized Bawa Jitto not merely as a martyr but as a symbol of the enduring fight against oppression. His story transcends time, woven into the fabric of Dogra culture through songs, ballads, and oral traditions. The folk poets and bards of the region have played a critical role in keeping his memory alive, transforming Jitto from a historical figure into a revered folk hero and deity. This cultural reverence is particularly evident in the celebrations of the Jhiri Mela, where the community gathers to honor his legacy, reinforcing the values he stood for-honesty, justice, and sacrifice.
As families partake in rituals and festivities during the mela, they not only pay homage to Bawa Jitto but also reaffirm their cultural identity. His struggles resonate with the collective consciousness of the Dogra people, serving as a powerful reminder of the virtues that continue to shape their identity today. Through such celebrations, Bawa Jitto’s legacy endures, embodying the spirit of resistance and moral integrity that remains central to the Dogra ethos.
Cultural Practices Surrounding Jhiri Mela
The Jhiri Mela is rich with cultural practices and rituals that intertwine religious devotion and folklore, creating a vibrant tapestry of community engagement and spiritual significance. One of the most notable rituals is the holy dip in Baba Da Talab, a sacred water body believed to possess miraculous healing powers, particularly for skin ailments. Devotees, upon entering the mela, eagerly partake in this ritual, immersing themselves in the water as an act of faith and purification. The collective act of bathing not only symbolizes a physical cleansing but also serves as a communal bonding experience, reinforcing the shared spiritual identity of the participants.
In addition to the holy dip, various activities unfold throughout the nine days of the mela, each reflecting the cultural heritage of the Dogra community. Traditional folk performances, including dances and songs dedicated to Bawa Jitto, echo through the air, recounting his heroic deeds and sacrifices. These performances serve as both entertainment and a means of passing down the folklore that shapes the community’s identity, ensuring that the younger generations remain connected to their cultural roots.
Local markets spring to life during the fair, showcasing a plethora of traditional wares, handicrafts, and culinary delights. Vendors set up stalls selling everything from pottery and vases to sweets and local delicacies. This vibrant marketplace not only provides an economic outlet for local farmers and artisans but also fosters a sense of community as visitors come together to celebrate their shared heritage.
Sporting events, such as wrestling matches and traditional games, also play a crucial role in the mela, promoting physical well-being and camaraderie among participants. These activities not only enhance the festive atmosphere but also encourage a spirit of healthy competition and teamwork, further enriching the cultural experience.
Economics of the Jhiri Mela
The Jhiri Mela serves not only as a cultural and religious celebration but also as a vital economic event that significantly impacts the local community, particularly the farmers of the region. The influx of over five lakh visitors during the nine-day festival transforms Jhiri village into a bustling marketplace, presenting a unique opportunity for local farmers, especially sugarcane growers, to enhance their economic well-being.
One of the primary economic benefits of the mela is the direct sales opportunity it provides to farmers. The region is renowned for its sugarcane production, and during the festival, farmers capitalize on the large number of visitors by selling their fresh produce. This not only boosts their income but also strengthens local agricultural practices by promoting community engagement with farming traditions. The visibility gained during the mela can lead to increased recognition of the quality of local agricultural products, thereby fostering a sense of pride among farmers in their craft.
The mela also serves as a platform for government initiatives aimed at supporting local agriculture and rural development. Various government departments participate by setting up exhibitions and stalls to educate farmers about agricultural schemes, horticulture, and floriculture. These initiatives are crucial for providing farmers with the knowledge and resources they need to optimize their yields and improve their livelihoods. By highlighting these government programs, the Jhiri Mela plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the economic resilience of the local farming community.
In essence, the Jhiri Mela is a confluence of culture and commerce, where the legacy of Bawa Jitto intertwines with the economic aspirations of the local populace. Through this vibrant festival, the community not only honors their folk hero but also creates a sustainable economic environment that benefits farmers and local businesses alike.
Folklore Dynamics and Generational Transmission
The Jhiri Mela stands as a crucial conduit for the transmission of folklore and cultural traditions to younger generations, particularly in an age where rapid urbanization and globalization often threaten the continuity of local customs. By participating in this vibrant fair, young attendees are not merely passive observers but active participants in a living tradition that encapsulates the essence of their cultural heritage.
Moreover, the Jhiri Mela provides an immersive experience that connects the youth with their cultural roots. As they partake in traditional rituals, such as the holy dip in Baba Da Talab, they engage in shared practices that reinforce communal bonds and cultural identity. This experiential learning allows young individuals to internalize the significance of their heritage, making it more relevant and meaningful in their lives.
(The author is from J&K Forest Services)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
