CALSH AT KULESHWARI DHAM FAIR

CALSH AT KULESHWARI DHAM FAIR

6-APRIL-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA--------------------------Since the era when the Durgavati block fell under the ancient Shahabad district, a very old fair has been held at the shrine of Mother Kuleshwari Devi—a tradition that continues to this day. In the Kaimur district, the Kulhadiya Fair is the largest and longest-running religious fair, having been held for over 300 years. However, due to periods of political neglect, neither the fair nor the shrine has seen significant development to date. It is worth noting that thousands of people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar flock to the fair to seek the blessings of Mother Kuleshwari Devi and to enjoy the festivities. Vendors from far-flung regions also gather at the site to sell their wares. Amidst these proceedings, on Saturday, certain anti-social elements began physically assaulting the operators of the amusement rides present at the fair. The ride operators promptly informed Mahant Lallan Giri about the incident. Subsequently, when the relatives of the fair's organizer arrived at the scene to intervene, they too were assaulted by these anti-social elements. Reports suggest that the youths involved in the assault were unidentified locals from the area who could not be recognized. When questioned regarding the matter, Mahant Lallan Giri of Kuleshwari Devi Dham stated that this fair has been a tradition here for well over 300 years. He further explained that, as in previous years, official permission for the fair was obtained from the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Mohania to ensure that security arrangements could be maintained. He noted that he had submitted a written request to the administration regarding security arrangements prior to the commencement of the fair; however, the administration failed to make any provisions, which ultimately led to this incident. When asked about the issue, Ratna Priyadarshini, the Sub-Divisional Officer of Mohania, confirmed that permission for the fair had indeed been granted and that police personnel, magistrates, and a team from the Health Department had been deployed to ensure security. However, the fact that government machinery remains absent from the fair—despite official permission having been granted—raises serious questions regarding the administration's operational efficiency. In the past, the administration used to make proper arrangements for the fair; a police officer—accompanied by security forces and a magistrate—would remain on the premises for the entire duration for which the fair was officially permitted. After all, mothers, sisters, and daughters from villages and remote areas come to the fair specifically to offer prayers and to enjoy an outing. Is it, then, appropriate for anyone to pass lewd remarks or catcall at someone else's mother or sister? Do such individuals not spare a thought for their own mothers and sisters?