Kartik Ganga Mela Revives Ancient Rural Traditions; Over 10 Lakh Devotees Gather At Garhmukteshwar

More than 10 lakh devotees from diverse regions and cultures have gathered on the banks of the Ganga in Hapur for the Kartik Ganga Mela, transforming the region into a vibrant microcosm of India. Despite varied food habits, lifestyles, and entertainment preferences, shared devotion to Mother Ganga unites the masses in a spirit of faith and festivity.

From morning dips in the holy river to evenings filled with Ganga Aarti and Katha, the fair embodies a daily routine anchored in spirituality. Set against village-inspired surroundings, the event also highlights traditional rural heritage, culture, and community life.

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According to legend, the fair dates back to the Mahabharata era. After the war, unable to cope with the burden of fratricidal victory, the Pandavas were brought by Lord Shri Krishna to the Ganga’s banks in Garhmukteshwar. Here, they bathed in the river and received spiritual guidance to absolve their grief. Since then, the fair has been celebrated every Kartik month, with a horse fair still organised at the site believed to be the Pandavas’ erstwhile stables.

The lack of mobile connectivity in the mela area disconnects visitors from the outside world, enhancing their engagement with the fair’s rich cultural environment. Traditional sports like kabaddi, wrestling, and athletics are underway, while folk performances, Ragini, Alha, and women’s folk songs bring alive the region’s rustic charm.

Stalls serving pani ke haath ki roti cooked on clay stoves and fresh buttermilk provide visitors with a taste of rural cuisine. The elderly reminisce about the fair’s old-world charm, while the youth get a rare glimpse of village life amid the Ganga Khadar’s scenic floodplains.

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Folk artists continue to play a key role in reviving cultural memories, drawing young and old alike into evenings of music and dance.

District officials say extensive preparations were undertaken to ensure the fair reflects its traditional identity.

“We want the fair to be seen as a carrier of our rural culture and traditions. Our effort is to keep away the malpractices that have crept into fairs, animal cruelty, gambling, and alcohol will not be tolerated. It is important to give the fair its true form,” said Abhishek Pandey, District Magistrate.