Three-day annual holy Mela Patt, devoted to Lord Vasuki Naag, the presiding deity of Bhaderwah valley, began here on Tuesday. To commemorate the historic meet between Mughal emperor Akbar and King Nag Pal of Bhaderwah, three day historic Mela Patt started at ancient Mohalla Khakhal. Mela Patt- a symbol of Nag culture, is celebrated every year on Nagpanchmi and hundreds of people converge at Khakhal Mohallah to pay obeisance to the bravery and spiritual power of Raja Nag Pal. Hundreds of people from different parts of the state irrespective of cast and religion participated in the festival. The festival was first celebrated in 16th century by King Nag Pal, the ruler of small principality then called Bhadarkashi presently known as Bhaderwah. The historic festival is organized seven days after the conclusion of Kailash Yatra. The traditional Dikko Dance, a unique folk dance is the regular feature of the festival and people irrespective of religion, cast and gender participate in it, which makes this festival a symbol of Peace, Pride and communal harmony. Beside display of ‘Patt’, the traditional Dikko Dance is main attraction of the three day festival and people especially young generation enjoyed the dance. Meanwhile elaborate security arrangements were made in and around the venue of festival to thwart any untoward incident.
