Patna : The centuries-old Basiaura mela, held in Pundih village in Patna’s Didarganj area, took place this year with great fervour. The event, which follows Holi, saw a vibrant mix of rituals, music, and a grand procession that drew people from several villages.
The mela began on Sunday night with traditional songs and performances. By Monday morning, a large procession set out, featuring elephants, horses, and bands. At its heart was the idol of Sati, placed on a beautifully decorated chariot, as villagers accompanied it with devotional songs and chants. A dramatic live tableau depicting the legend of Sati became a major attraction for attendees.
The ritual concluded with the immersion of the idol at Sabalpur Ghat, after which villagers returned home, continuing to sing Holi songs along the way. Participants came from multiple villages, including Gulmahiyachak and Alampur, underscoring the mela’s cultural significance in the region.
A Ritual Rooted in Legend
According to local lore, the tradition dates back centuries. Manoj Yadav, head of Punadih Panchayat, recounted the origins of the festival: “It is said that long ago, a newlywed woman’s husband died on the second day of Holi. In an act of self-immolation, she became a sati by joining him on his funeral pyre. Shortly after, an epidemic swept through the surrounding villages, claiming many lives. The villagers then installed an idol of Sati in Punadih, and when they offered prayers, the epidemic subsided.”
Since then, a special annual puja has been held on the second day of Holi. The rituals are conducted by tantriks, who perform sacred chants overnight at the Sati temple. The following morning, a symbolic representation of Sati is paraded through nearby villages in a palanquin, with devotees singing bhajans and Holi songs. The procession then moves towards Sabalpur Ghat via Kachchi Dargah, marking the culmination of the ritual.
A Tradition Feared to be Broken
Villagers believe that discontinuing the puja could invite misfortune. “If for some reason the ritual is not performed, some untoward incident is bound to happen,” said one local. This deeply held belief has ensured the survival of the tradition for generations.
