Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, Sept 14: Three-day long holy Mela Patt, which is celebrated every year to commemorate the historic meet between Emperor Akbar and Raja Nagpal of Bhaderwah in 16th century at Delhi, began here today.
Thousands of people drawn from different parts of the State participated in Mela. Mela Patt festival is devoted to Lord Vaskui Naag, the presiding deity of Bhaderwah Valley. It is celebrated on Nag Panchmi every year. This Mela was first initiated by Raja Nagpal in 16th century as the ruler of that small principality called the then Bhaderkashi which is now known as Bhaderwah.
The mela is organized on the conclusion of the Kalash Yatra and people without any caste, color and creed participate and witness the Mela. This year strict security arrangements were made by the local administration to avoid any untoward incident.
According to Vasuki Puran, on this day, Raja Nagpal reached back at Bhaderwah after meeting Mughal emperor Akbar at Delhi and arranged a public display of the precious gifts, costly silken garment, crown and other articles offered by the emperor Akbar in reverence to Vasuki Nag at Mohalla Khakhal. All the wealth Nagpal received from the emperor was dedicated by him to the royal palace.
Since then, this day is being celeb rated in Bhaderwah in devotion to Vasuki nag by exhibiting the gifted items on Nag Panchmi every year which is turned into big fair or Mela.
`Mela Patt’ is celebrated every year after Kailash Yatra. People dance to the sweet and melodious tunes of ancient Dakhu. This traditional Dhaku dance, a unique folk dance of the area is a regular feature during the Mela. The royal robbing that was presented by King Akbar to Raja Nagpal of Bhadarwah in his honour is displayed during three-day long ‘Mela Patt’.
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