2. JOD MELA SHRI MUKATSAR SAHIB- 14 JANUARY-2014
• Mela Maghi, helds at the holy city of Sri Muktsar Sahib each year.
• The fair is held to honour the memory of the forty Sikh warriors killed during the Battle of Muktsar in
1705.
• Muktsar, originally called Khidrana, was named as Muktsar ("the pool of liberation") following the
battle. These forty Sikhs, led by their leader Mahan Singh, had formally deserted Sri Guru Gobind
Singh in the need of hour, and signed a written memorandum to the effect.
• When Mai Bhago, a valiant and upright lady, heard of this cowardly act, she scolded the Singh's and
inspired them refresh with spirit of bravery for which Sikhs are known.
• Hence the unit went back and joined the Guru who was already engaged in action at Khidrana.
• All forty of them attained martyrdom. The memorandum (bedawa) was torn-down by the Guru
himself just before Mahan Singh died.
3. CONTD..
• People gather from all over Punjab, even other parts of India to join the festival
which is in fact spread over many days.
• Merchants display their wares for sale, which include from trinkets to high-end
electronics, the weapons Nihangs bear.
