Dewa Mela, Uttar Pradesh
Dewa Mela or the
Barabanki Mela is celebrated to commemorate the sacred shrine of the Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah. The small town of Dewa situated 10 km. from Barabanki (Uttar Pradesh) comes alive in the months of October-November with the humongous crowd retreating to the renowned shrine of
Sufi Saint Haji Waris Ali Shah. The town witnesses sprawling of pilgrims from different parts of India to soak themselves in the 10 days long annual fair.
Sacred Shrine of Haji Waris Ali Shah
The
Dewa Sharif stands robust as a living example of the secularism in India. It manifests the spirit of universal brotherhood. Here's all you need to know about it.
Haji Waris Ali Shah was born and brought up in a family of Hussein Syed. He grew up to become a Sufi saint who was believed to held mystical powers. He had a firm belief in the Vedanta principles. He was revered by both Hindus and Muslims. The spirit of this holy man left for its heavenly abode in April 1905. His devout followers erected a tomb in his remembrance that came to be known as Dewa Sharif or
Dargah of Haji Waris Ali Shah.
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Fair Celebrations at Barabanki
The
Barabanki Fair celebrations encompass a wide array of captivating events that attract devotees from all over India. The several programmes display the indigenous culture that constitutes the collective spirit of India. The
Uttar Pradesh Tourism committee has had made concrete efforts in popularising this festival of lately.
Barabanki fair celebrations
The
10-day carnival at Dewa kickstarts with the ceremony of chadar presentation. Embroidered silk sheets are placed on the tomb of Haji Sahib. The Qawwalis and devotional songs are recited during the procession that culminates at the mausoleum. The various cultural activities are:
- All India Mushaira
- Kavi Sammelan
- Music performances
- Debates
- Kavi Goshthi
- Spiritual musical night
The enthusiastic performers exhibit their distinct talents and entertain the crowd. There are several tournaments of Hockey, Volleyball, and Badminton as well as Rifle shooting and Kite Flying programs for the sports fanatics. The fair has a wide variety of eye-popping decoration adorning the markets to entice the local folks as well as the tourists. One could easily behold the sight of raw rural India.
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Aesthetic Panorama at Dewa Mela
The
visual treat at Barabanki fair includes the brilliant show of handicrafts. The decorated stalls depict the magnificent artworks along with stupefying nation-building schemes. The whole aura is vibrant and enthused with religious and festive spirit.
The highlight of the fair is the cattle market that generates the maximum revenue. In addition to this, agriculture-related demonstrations are held to educate the large group of cultivators and farmers.
The chapter of Dewa Mela concludes on a high note with a spectacular display of fireworks pervading the night sky. The paper balloons are let off in the sky with a flicker at its center. The firing rockets and the colorful fireballs depict the picturesque landscape enveloping the beautiful ambiance.
The Dewa Sharif is 40 km away from the bustling city of Lucknow. One can hire a cab from the airport or the railway station in Lucknow to reach the shrine. If you are planning to cover your journey by road, then you may take any road branching out of Matiyari Chauraha crossing to reach the destination.
No doubt that the Dewa Mela attracts abundant tourists and devotees not only from India but from around the world. The air of Sufism lures people into becoming a part of the vibrant celebration of religious and communal harmony. The
Barabanki Fair Celebrations represents the intrinsic cultural fabric of the nation. So, while you are planning an
excursion to Uttar Pradesh, do not miss out on the splendid Dewa Mela to acquaint yourself with the real India. Find your voice in the holy ambiance of the enthralling fair!
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