Folk festivals and fairs are the core of Gujarat’s Bhatigal culture. Garvi Gujarat’s heritage of traditional and innovative folk culture is being celebrated in a prominent way in Gujarat in the form of folk festivals along with pomp and show.
Being physically fit and disciplined is essential for success in life, the Desi Malla Kusti Mela of Pindara village in Devbhoomi Dwarka district of Saurashtra has become a symbol of physical fitness, bravery and sportsmanship.
Pindara village near Dwarka is connected with the story of Mahabharata. According to the story, the ashram of Lord Shri Krishna’s Guru, Durvasa Rishi was in Pindara village. Even today this tank and the Rana tree where Sage Durvasa used to sit is a symbol of faith. There is a belief that stones were removed for salvation in the tank. At this place there is a sand ground by the sea where for years the youths of the surrounding villages and talukas gather in a fair to play wrestling on the day of Shravani Amaas.
A one-day Desi Mallakusti Melo will be held in Pindara on the occasion of Shravani Amas on September 15. Youngsters in different groups wrestle and others enjoy. A large number of people, including the elderly, come here to witness this fair, especially the youths who participate in wrestling, making such folk festival a success. Representatives from Devbhoomi Dwarka district administration, police system and local panchayat and also sports and cultural system make the necessary coordination.
Mr. Jagabhai Chawda, Executive Chairman of the Zilla Panchayat, said that Pindara’s fair is a special fair. It inspires youth to develop physical toughness. Pindara associated with the life of Lord Shri Krishna and the neighbouring village of Tupani Charan Ganga Dham along with the ashram of Durvasa Rishi are places with the value of cultural heritage and as this fair held here has a unique tradition, for the first time with the inspiration of the Minister of Tourism of the Government of Gujarat, Mulubhai Bera, the cultural program is organized by the district administrative system and in collaboration with its sports department.
