Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday mentioned the “Madhavpur Mela” in his Man Ki Baat address and talked about its Puranic links to North East India.
What is Madhavpur Mela and what is its significance in the context of India’s diversity? Read this to learn more.
Madhavpur Mela
Madhavpur Mela is a village fair that is held in the village of Madhavpur near the sea at Porbandar in Gujarat.
While the Mela is celebrated in Porbandar Gujarat, it has an interesting connection to the Mishmi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh in North-East India.
The Mishmi Tribe traces its ancestry to the legendary King Bhishmak and through him to his daughter Rukmini and Lord Krishna.
According to Pauranik mythology, thousands of years ago Lord Krishna was married to Rukmani, a princess of the Mishmi Tribe.
The festival celebrates the immortal journey which Rukmini undertook from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat with Lord Krishna.
This marriage took place in Madhavpur, Porbandar and as a symbol of that marriage, even today Madhavpur fair is held there on Ram Navami.
Madhavpur lies on the seashore, close to Porbandar. A 15th-century Madhavrai temple marks the site. A colorful chariot carrying the idol of Lord Krishna circumnavigates the village and the festivities usually continue for five days.
Bhismaknagar, located near Roing in the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh, also finds mention in Kalika Purana.
Recalling this connection, the Prime Minister said that this deep relationship between the East and West is our heritage.
New Aspects to Madhavpur Fair
Prime Minister Modi said that with the passage of time with the efforts of the people, new aspects too are now being added to the Madhavpur fair.
The PM also said that in local parlance, the bride’s side is called Gharati and now many Gharaatis from the North East have started coming to this fair.
Mentioning the economic aspect of the Madhavpur Mela, the PM said that artists from all the states of the North East reach the Madhavpur Fair, which lasts for a week; when artisans associated with handicrafts arrive and the beauty of the fair is enhanced manifold.
“For a week, this amalgamation of cultures of the East and West of India, the Madhavpur fair creates a very beautiful example of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat. I request you to read and know more about this fair as well” said the PM in his Man ki Baat address.
“From east to west, from north to south, this diversity binds India together, leading to Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Here too, both our historical sites and Pauranik literature contribute a lot”, the PM added.
