Ever Heard Of Mahamurkh Mela? Varanasi’s Unique Fair Welcomes Guests With Donkey Calls, Handcuffs As Gifts And More

Varanasi, the city of festivals, never misses an opportunity to spread joy and laughter. Even in life's challenges, people find ways to smile, making humor a means to shake off worldly worries. Continuing this tradition, the Mahamurkh Mela, a 56-year-old festival, was celebrated on April 1 at Dr Rajendra Prasad Ghat, kicking off with the unique sound of a donkey.

Special guests were welcomed in a humorous style, receiving handcuffs as gifts—a satirical nod to the rising cases of cybercrime in today's digitally aware era. The ghat came alive with drum beats as people danced in celebration. 

Adding to the fun, an unconventional mismatched wedding was conducted with loud Agadam-Bagdam chants. In this playful event, Dr Shiv Shakti Dwivedi took on the role of the bride, while his wife, Neha Dwivedi, dressed as the groom. Highlighting the idea that marriage is one of life’s biggest foolish decisions, the couple humorously "divorced" shortly after the ceremony.

READ MORE: Ghaziabad Accident: Speeding Car Plunges 15 Meters From Railway Overbridge, No Passenger Found

The audience was further captivated by mesmerising Kalbelia dance performances by Stuti Seth, Aditi Sharma, and Stuti. Meanwhile, the cybercrime team of the local police took the opportunity to spread awareness about online fraud.

The evening reached its peak with a poetry session, where poets infused humor and wisdom into their verses, cautioning people against foolishness. Damdar Banarasi, who conducted the program, recited, "You are ruining your own character, if you are a good person, why are you changing your nature?" Delhi’s poet Vinod Pal energised the audience with his witty song, "Sab gaadiyan ke aisi taisi, sabse hit bulldozer haav."

Renowned poets Akhilesh Dwivedi, Saurabh Jain Suman, Bihari Lal Ambar, Sudeep Bhola, Badshah Premi, Sanjay Singh, Shyamlal Yadav, Mahesh Chandra Jaiswal, and Dr. Prashant Singh was also present, adding to the laughter-filled night that continued till late.