Mela patt Bhaderwah

Mela patt Bhaderwah

 
On the evening of “Patharchoth” or “Vinayak Choth” the “Jahari” (the conical

 metallic pot) is carried by a representative belonging to Raj-purohit family in

Bhaderwah.  with slogans, “Jai Bolo Nagae Basik Ki Jai, Phir Bolo Sanchae

Durbar ki Jai,” The procession passes through the Main Bazars of the town. It 

concludes at the Vasuki Dhera Temple . Next morning after routine worship in

 the Temple , the Jahari moves to the house of Rajgurus' in Mohalla Khakhal.

 The team of selected person of the locality called “Dashan” prepare the

 traditional “Patt Jhanki.” The patt, a heavy load of conical shape with Jahari 

on the top decently decorated with marigold flowers garlands and ‘Haraii' 

adorned with hundreds of cloth – pieces of gorgeous colours is now ready for

 exhibition.

With the break of dawn on Nag Panchami i.e. Rishi Panchmi a devoted person

 carries this “Patt” on his head in a procession led by the ‘Chela' (Mystic Man) 

of the deity and the musicians proceed to “Ganesh Math” for paying homage to

 God. “Ganpati” then the procession raches the compound of the Vasuk Dhera

Temple . The Traditional dance is performed before the Naga Deity and this 

procession later, concludes at the house of Rajgurus in Khakhal. The devotees

 throng there to have Darshan of “Patt” and pay their homage to Nag Raj 

Basuki and Raja Nagpal.

 Mela Patt is a dance in multi coloured cloth pieces and is performed at the 

harmonious beatings of drums, playing on flutes and blowing of horns and 

conches. The man carrying the “Patt” is encircled by the “Dashans” who help

 the dancing person in getting him refreshed by supporting the “Patt” in a very

 typical style. The resting period is of very short duration and dance continues 

in this manner. This fair continues for three days and these days are of public

 rejoicing.

On the concluding day of festival, the chief and traditional “Dhakku” dance is

 performed by the people of the area. “Dhakku” dance has an ancient origin 

and the people of Bhaderwah have maintained its originality, simplicity

 separate identity and enchanting effects on the heart and soul. Dhakku dance

 also known as traditional dance of Dogras has a respectable place in the folk 

dances of India 

 Mela Patt is a famous festival of Bhaderwah, having medieval origin occupies position among

 the fairs of Doda District.  Traditional festival starts on the fifth day immediately after 

“Kailash Yatra” that is on the day of “Vinayak Chuturthi” or “Patharchoth”.

Initiation of Mela Patt dates back to the sixteenth century when Akbar the 

great, was much impressed by the miraculous spiritual power of Raja Nagpal,

 the ruler of Bhaderwah Principality, at the Mughal Court, attributed to the 

blessings of the serpent God Nag Raj Vasuki . Much wealth was awarded to 

Raja Nagpal as a token of respect to the serpent god from imperial treasure by 

Emperor Akbar. The wealth comprised metallic vessels gold and silver 

ornaments, silk fabrics and musical instruments etc.