The annual Maghi Mela kicked off in Sri Muktsar Sahib on Wednesday. This three-day event honors the Forty Muktas, Sikh martyrs from the 1705 Battle of Khidrana. Lakhs of devotees have gathered to pay their respects.
Historical Significance and Modern Timing
Originally, the martyrdom occurred during Vaisakh in April or May. About a century ago, water scarcity forced a shift. Organizers moved the fair to Magh Sankranti in January. It has since become known as the Maghi Mela.
Gurdwaras still hold separate commemorations in May. They follow guidelines from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. The mela runs from January 13 to January 15 this year.
Political Activity Makes a Comeback
Political conferences are regaining prominence at the Maghi Mela. This marks a change after several low-key years. In 2017, the Akal Takht Jathedar urged parties to avoid such events at martyrdom fairs.
Most parties complied from 2018 onward. The Shiromani Akali Dal was a notable exception. They argued that Maghi Mela conferences predate their party's 1920 formation.
Major Parties Announce Plans
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party is organizing a state-level program. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will address the gathering. He plans to pay homage at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib first.
State transport corporations received directions to ply buses for the event. This move drew sharp criticism from the Congress party. AICC Punjab incharge Bhupesh Baghel questioned the use of government resources.
He demanded clarity on funding. "Who will pay for these buses — the Punjab government or the AAP?" Baghel asked. The AAP last held a Maghi Mela conference in 2016.
The Shiromani Akali Dal will hold its conference at the SGPC ground. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal claims it will set the tone for the 2027 Assembly polls. The BJP is making its debut with a conference on Malaut Road.
BJP state general secretary Anil Sarin expects workers from five districts to attend. Meanwhile, the Congress decided against a rally during the mela. They held an 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' rally in Muktsar on January 12 instead.
Baghel stated the Congress follows the Akal Takht edict. They aim to respect the sacred occasion by avoiding political conferences.
Heightened Security Measures
Security deployment has increased significantly this year. Over 6,000 police personnel are on duty. This matches the level last seen in 2016.
In recent years, security had dropped to around 3,300–4,300 personnel. Special DGP Arpit Shukla reviewed all arrangements. He emphasized traffic management and public convenience.
The city is divided into seven sectors for security purposes. Authorities implemented multi-layered security measures. These include:
- CCTV surveillance across key areas
- Drone monitoring for aerial oversight
- Nakas (checkpoints) at strategic locations
- Designated parking and bus stands to manage crowds
A 300-meter no-vehicle zone surrounds Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. The district administration declared January 14 a public holiday. They also set up special control rooms to assist the public during the mela.
Devotees continue to take holy dips in the sarovar. They pay obeisance to the Forty Muktas amidst the bustling fair atmosphere. The mela remains a vital cultural and religious event for Punjab and neighboring states.
