Priyanka Tiwari
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Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh is once again making headlines. A major update has emerged regarding the annual Neja Mela, a fair traditionally held in memory of Salar Masood Ghazi, the commander of invader Mahmud Ghaznavi. This year, the Sambhal Police and district administration have denied permission for the event. Despite the fair committee's announcement of a three-day event, the authorities have firmly decided against it.
Administration's Justification for the Ban
For several years, Neja Mela had been organized in Sambhal to commemorate Salar Masood Ghazi. However, the Sambhal district administration has now refused permission for its continuation. Officials argue that celebrating a historical figure associated with temple looting, including the attack on Somnath temple, is inappropriate. The administration considers the event a bad practice and has decided that such traditions should not be allowed to continue.
A senior official stated that holding a fair in the name of a historical figure linked to destruction and violence does not align with present-day principles. Therefore, they have taken a strong stand against it.
A Tradition That Spanned Three Days Annually
The Neja Mela was an annual event lasting three days in two different locations within Sambhal. Thousands of people participated, and stalls were set up by members of both communities. The fair followed a traditional process where a flag (shield) was hoisted in front of the local police station before the fair officially commenced.
This year, the shield hoisting was scheduled for March 18, but the administration denied permission for both the fair and the shield installation. The fair was typically scheduled to begin a week after this ritual, but with the new directive in place, the event will not take place in 2024.
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