Ramdevra, a small town in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, is gearing up for the annual Ramdevra Mela, a grand fair and festival dedicated to the folk deity Baba Ramdev. The mela, which attracts millions of devotees from across the country and abroad, started on September 17 and end on September 25 .
Baba Ramdev, also known as Ramdevji or Ramsha Pir, is revered by Hindus and Muslims alike as a saint who performed miracles and healed people. He was born in the 14th century as a son of King Ajmal of Pokhran and is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna . He had a guru named Balinath, who lived on a hill in Musariya near Jodhpur. Baba Ramdev used to visit his guru regularly and learn spiritual teachings from him.
The mela is held at the samadhi (tomb) of Baba Ramdev in Ramdevra, where he entered into a state of eternal meditation. The devotees believe that by visiting the samadhi of Baba Ramdev and his guru Balinath, their wishes will be fulfilled. The mela is marked by various religious and cultural activities, such as bhajans (devotional songs), kirtans (musical recitals), langars (community kitchens), bhandaras (charitable feasts), and rath yatras (processions). The mela also features stalls selling prasad (sacred food), choodi (bangles), kanti mala (necklaces), and other items related to Baba Ramdev.
The mela attracts people from different walks of life, who come to pay their respects to Baba Ramdev and seek his blessings. Some of them walk barefoot for hundreds of kilometers to reach the mela site, while others come by buses, trains, or cars. The mela witnesses a huge influx of pilgrims from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, and other states. The mela also draws foreign tourists who are curious about the folk culture and traditions of Rajasthan .
The administration, the gram panchayat, and the Baba Ramdev Samadhi Samiti are making all the necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the mela. They are ensuring proper sanitation, road maintenance, health facilities, and security measures for the safety and comfort of the visitors. The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has also been invited to attend the mela.
The Ramdevra Mela is a symbol of the faith and devotion that people have for Baba Ramdev, who is considered as a unifying force among different communities and religions. The mela showcases the rich heritage and diversity of Rajasthan and its people. It is a festival that celebrates the spirit of harmony and brotherhood among all.