Mela: A Tapestry of Cultures and Traditions

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What is a Mela?

Mela (मेला) is the name given to a village fair, an inseparable part of Awadhi culture for centuries. Derived from Sanskrit, the word Mela represents a place where people gather. You might have heard about the Kumbh Mela happening in Prayagraj these days. Similarly, every city, town, and village in the Indian subcontinent hosts a mela at least once or twice a year. These fairs are often organized to celebrate harvests, religious festivals, or annual commemorations at the shrines of saints and faqeers.

Ask anyone who grew up in the Awadhi region (areas around Lucknow that were once part of the Oudh State), and they will have distinct childhood memories of visiting these melas. The experience is etched in the minds of mela-goers as a cherished memory. Let’s explore the moments that never fail to weave magical nostalgia.

When farmers harvested and sold their crops, they had money to shop and celebrate with their families. Visiting a mela meant there was something for everyone. Women shopped for clothing, household items, jewelry, and accessories. Children enjoyed the rides, bought toys, and relished the food typically available only during the mela. Entertainment options included Nautanki (theater), circus, Kathputli Naach (puppet shows), and Jaadugari (magic shows), among others. Another significant aspect of a village fair used to be the livestock or cattle fair, where farmers traded horses, cows, bulls, and buffaloes.

A religion-oriented mela involved rituals and customs, after which people indulged in the festivities. For instance, the Kumbh Mela features the sacred ritual of a holy dip at the Sangam (confluence) of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Around Lucknow, many shrines of Sufi saints host an annual Urs (memorial service) to honor the respective saints. One such popular mela is Dewa Mela, held during the Urs of Hazrat Waris Ali Shah. The qawwali sessions at the dargah offer a mesmerizing experience for devotees. One of the evenings was traditionally dedicated to Mushaira (an assembly of Urdu poets).

Mela in Lucknow

In Lucknow, there is a historical fair called Budakki ka Mela, also known as Katki Mela. Held every January on the banks of the Gomti River in the Daliganj area, it is immensely popular for its bargain deals on crockery items. However, it features all the traditional elements of a typical fair, including a food zone—especially the Halwa Paratha stalls, a staple of such fairs. The entertainment zone offers joy rides, and a recent addition to the attractions is the Fish Tunnel.

 

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Speaking of melas in Lucknow, we can’t miss mentioning Lucknow Mahotsav. A grand event celebrating the city’s cultural heritage, it attracts thousands of visitors daily. Renowned Indian celebrities perform at the event, making it a major crowd-puller.

Read more about Lucknow Mahotsav in an exclusive blog post.

What to lookout for in Lucknow Mahotsav

The nostalgia truly sets in when you see fathers carrying kids on piggyback through the mela, mothers worried about losing their little ones in the crowd, while children try to soak in every moment—eyes wide open to capture even the tiniest details, mouths agape in awe of the majestic rides and bright neon lights. The air is filled with the aromas of halwa paratha, popcorn, and cotton candy. From the excitement and chaos at the entry gate to the bittersweet sadness at the exit—where the child in you keeps looking back, hoping to return the next day—the mela experience lingers in the heart forever.

What about you? Do you have memories like these? We’d love to hear yours!

 

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  • Qais

    Qais Mujeeb is a blogger passionate about capturing the essence of Lucknow’s rich culture and heritage. A heritage enthusiast, photographer, and nature lover, he delves into stories that highlight the city's history and unique character.

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