A symbol of communal harmony, Madar Baba fair kicks off

By Hom Raj Ranabhat,Triveni Susta, Feb. 12: Madar Baba Mela, a fair celebrated jointly by Hindus and Muslims, started on Friday. The fair, which could not be held for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue until February 17, 2023.

Devotees from home and neighbouring India, throng the site in Binayi Tribeni Rural Municipality-6 of East Nawalparasi. According to Nizamuddin Miya, Chairman of the Mela Management Committee, it is estimated that around one million devotees will visit the fair this year. 

Superintendent of Police (SP) Bhuwaneshwor Tiwari said that around 600 security personnel have been mobilised for the fair. Two roads have been constructed from Mahalbari to the site, and drinking water has been arranged at various places. Besides, a health camp will be conducted at the fair.  

The fair starts 10 days before the start of the grand Hindu festival of Shivaratri in Madar Mazar, which is 50 km west-north of the district headquarters Kawasoti and 27 km east of Parasi, and 21 km east of Bardaghat from the highway.

To reach Madar Baba Mazar, one has to climb the hill for about three hours from Mahalbari in Tribeni. According to chairman Miya, "Madar Baba" is the religious guru of the Muslim community, but he is respected by all. He said that millions of Hindus in India and Nepal have been worshiping him for many years.

The place where Madar Baba meditated is an exemplary area for religious and communal harmony, he added.

Legend has it that Madar Baba, who was born in Syria in 242 Hijari, 1200 years ago, ascended to heaven from Kanpur, India, in 838 Hijari. 

Miya said that Madar Baba has a history of doing meditation in many countries, including Nawalparasi and Phulwari Park area in Butwal in Nepal.

Jamaluddin Ansari, the chairman of Madar Baba Mazar Conservation Society, said that this year's fair has been well organised to make it easier for the pilgrims to worship. Ansari said, "The tradition of people of both faiths attending the festival has been in practice for over five hundred years now.” 

At the fair, Hindus perform prayers according to Hindu rituals and Muslims recite their vows according to their own traditions. The devotees, who have got their wish fulfilled, offer shawls to the shrine (temple) and perform puja with chicken roosters.