Chhapar Mela: From religious congregation to socio-political event
What originated as a purely religious congregation to worship Gugga Peer, an embodiment of Naag Devta, has gradually transformed into a socio-political mega event in Chhapar village, situated at the southernmost end of Ludhiana district.
The venue has undergone a complete transformation over the decades. What was once a solitary samadh nestled among sand dunes on the outskirts of the village has now evolved into a modern complex featuring half-a-dozen structures of much aesthetic and spiritual value.
Earlier, devotees visited the shrine during Mela Chhapar, one of the largest rural events in North India. Today, however, visitors frequent the shrine throughout the year. The annual fair still takes place on Chaudas — the 14th day of the Punjabi month of Bhadon.
The main shrine, Gugga Maari, was constructed in 1890 in memory of Gugga Peer. Followers believe Gugga was a Chauhan Rajput who entered the Earth along with his stallion, to never reappear again. He is believed to be the God of snakes who are known as friends of
cultivators and breeders of cattle. It is believed that paying obeisance at the shrine cures people of snakebites and skin ailments.
However, the religious and cultural essence of the mega event has since been diluted and eclipsed by commercial and political activities. The residents of Chhapar and over two dozen neighbouring rural and suburban localities seem to have forgotten that their ancestors once eagerly awaited this event, extending warm hospitality to relatives and friends who travelled from afar to attend the fair.
Today, devotees and visitors rarely take the time to reconnect with local friends or relatives. The mela has transformed into a chaotic and commercialised funfair with the venue crowded with kiosks selling fast food and other items that are least concerned with the religion and culture of the state.
Jatinder Sharma Happy, chief organiser of the Sidh Sulakhan Welfare Society, argues that the renovation and expansion were necessary, as the growing number of visitors, including devotees and enthusiasts seeking answers to their quest, deserve a certain standard of comfort and hospitality.
Every year, lakhs of devotees attend what remains one of the largest rural socio-cultural festivals in the region. However, the harmonious folk music and dancing that once defined the mela have been replaced by the dissonance of overlapping high-pitched loudspeakers. Traditional folk singers and artists are no longer invited and even when they attempt to perform, they often find no audience.
The fair has also experienced radical change in profile of devotees visiting the venue on different days. Though the first day, known as Chowkian, used to be open only for women and children, now men too are seen coming on this day. . Similarly, while women were once largely absent in the following days, they now attend the fair throughout its duration.
Ludhiana