A state buzzing and bustling with activity, Punjab is a land of fairs and festivals. In fact, fairs form an important part of the social life of the people living therein. These cultural festivities add to the lively and dynamic character of the state. Punjabis are always on the lookout of occasions for enjoying and merry-making. And, fairs provide them with the best opportunity to mingle with their fellow people and make the best use of the time. A Punjabi fair makes for an aesthetic and heart-warming treat to a lover of North Indian culture. For the masses, these festivals are popular occasions for social interaction and enjoyment.While most of the Punjabi fairs celebrate the vibrant and pulsating cultural traditions of the state, some are also religious in character, such as Muktsar fair and Jarag fair. Musical concerts, dance and many other fun activities are the key features of Punjab fairs. These colorful fairs have long attracted tourists and visitors from all parts of the country and even outside. People belonging to different cultures attend these fairs and explore the vivacious spirit and effervescence of Punjab, which has continued to be a bubbling cauldron of cultural activity since ages. Organized all through the year, these fairs keep the people of the region engrossed in merry making and celebrations. Read on to explore all about the major fairs organized in Punjab.
Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan
Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan is one of the important fairs of Punjab, a state that has an exceptional cultural aspect embedded in it. It is more of a musical concert, which is being organized for more than 130 years in Punjab. The fair commemorates the memory of the genius saint-musician, Swami Harballabh.
Baba Sodal Mela
Baba Sodal Mela occupies a prominent place in the list of fairs in Punjab. The fair is held to pay tribute to the great soul of the Bab Sodal. Every year, it is held in the month of Bhadon, in the city of Jalandhar. The celebration takes place on the 14th day of Shukal Paksh (bright half of the lunar month). The fair attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the country, who come and pay tribute to the deity on this day.
Jarag Fair
Jarag fair is one of the important fairs of Punjab that is held in Jarag, a village in tehsil Pail and district Ludhiana. The fair is also known as Baheria Fair. It is organized in the month of Cheth (March-April), in the honor of the Goddess Seetla. The festival is celebrated in Malwa and Powad as well, but the fair is held only in Jarag.
Muktsar Fair
Muktsar fair is one of the largest Sikh fairs held in Punjab. The fair is held in the middle of January i.e. on the Makar Sankranti day, which falls on January 14. As The fair derives its name from the forty Mukhtas of Guru Gobind Singh who died a valiant death in the Battle of Khidrana.
Roshni Fair
Roshni Fair (Fair of the Lights) is held in Jagravan, a city in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, from 14th to 16th of Phagun month (February-March). It is held in the honor of a Muslim Pir (saint), Abdul Kader Jalani. However, people of all casts, creeds and religions actively participate in the fair.
Shaheedi Jor Mela
Shaheedi Jor Mela is organized every year in the month of December, at the Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib, in the Fatehgarh District of Punjab. The fair is organized to pay tribute to the martyrdom of Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. They were the brave Sahibzadas (princes) of Guru Gobind Singh. They have a special position in the history of Sikhism owing to their unshaken patriotism to their religion.
