Sharif Bhagwati Fair 2024 - Mid July

India is full of colors and the various festivals celebrated accompanied by the fairs organized here, add fervour to the Indian culture. These cultural and traditional fairs add zeal and lives in the hearts of people. One such fair is Sharif Bhagwati fair, a Kashmir-centric fair, which is organized in July.

The Sharif Bhagwati Fair is a traditional festival held in honor of Sharif Bhagwati, a revered local saint or deity, depending on the region. It typically features religious ceremonies, cultural performances, and various stalls selling local crafts and foods. The fair usually attracts a large number of visitors who come to pay their respects, seek blessings, and participate in the festivities.

Kashmir is referred to as the ‘Heaven on Earth’ and the ‘Crown of India’ for its sheer beauty which is enhanced and highlighted with the celebration of such festivals and fairs. The tradition and culture of Kashmir comes out with sparkling colors during the Sharif Bhagwati Fair.

Celebrations at Sharif Bhagwati Mela

Sharif Bhagwati Mela is one of the fairs that bring about harmonious relationships among people. On this day, the traditional attire, “poost” and “pheran”, is worn by both men and women. Mughal type turbans, headgears and Taranga belt of Pashmina with colored scarf accessorize this beautiful attire.

These costumes are well known for their embroidery and intricate designs, which beautifully portray the richness and the landscape of the valley. This fair portrays the blended culture of Kashmir that has major ingredients of Northern South Asian as well as Central Asian culture. Its cultural heritage is an amalgamation of numerous religious philosophies and the values, displaying elements of humanity and tolerance.

Sharif Bhagawati Fair - Food

During the fair, a grand feast is organized that includes the best of the Kashmiri cuisines. These include 30 varieties of meat. However, beef is not a part of food since eating beef is prohibited in Kashmiri culture. Apart from this, the feast includes Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Matschgand, Qeleela, Mujh gaad, Dum Aloo to name a few. One interesting tradition that is witnessed here is drinking tea, which acts as an alternative of desserts at times.

The significance of the Sharif Bhagwati Fair can vary based on regional and cultural contexts, but generally, it holds important meanings:

1. Religious Devotion: The fair is a way for devotees to honor and show reverence for Sharif Bhagwati, who is often considered a saint or a divine figure in the local religious tradition. It provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection, prayer, and seeking blessings.

2. Cultural Heritage: The fair serves as a celebration of local traditions and culture. It showcases traditional music, dance, and art forms, preserving and promoting cultural heritage within the community.

3. Community Unity: The fair brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among community members. It’s a time for social interaction, strengthening communal ties, and celebrating shared values and traditions.

4. Economic and Social Activity: The event stimulates local economies through the sale of food, crafts, and other goods. It also provides a platform for local artisans and vendors to showcase their products, contributing to the economic vitality of the area.

5. Historical Significance: For some, the fair may also have historical importance, commemorating events or milestones associated with Sharif Bhagwati or the local area. It helps keep historical narratives and legends alive for new generations.

Sharif Bhagwati Fair - Art & Culture

During this fair, multiple events are organized including buying and purchasing of exquisite traditional handicrafts and outfits of Kashmir. These quintessential handicrafts include Kashmiri shawls, carpets, wood work done on chinar and walnut wood, silk, silverware, papier mache, namdas, pherans, basketry, crewel work, copperware and brassware.

The Sharif Bhagwati Fair is celebrated with a mix of religious, cultural, and communal activities. Here's a general outline of what you might expect:

1. Religious Ceremonies: The fair often begins with special prayers and rituals dedicated to Sharif Bhagwati. Devotees gather at the shrine or temple dedicated to the saint, participating in ceremonies led by priests or religious leaders.

2. Cultural Performances: The fair features various cultural activities, including traditional music and dance performances. Local artists and performers may showcase folk dances, music, and theatrical acts related to the legend or history of Sharif Bhagwati.

3. Processions: There might be processions with decorated floats, religious symbols, and enthusiastic participants marching through the streets. These processions often serve as a way for the community to come together and celebrate.

4. Food and Stalls: The fair usually includes numerous stalls selling local delicacies, snacks, and sweets. There are also stalls featuring handicrafts, textiles, and other artisanal products.

5. Community Activities: The fair often fosters a strong sense of community, with activities such as games, contests, and storytelling sessions. It provides an opportunity for people to socialize and strengthen community bonds.

6. Special Events: There might be special events such as fairs, exhibitions, and competitions organized in conjunction with the festival. These events add to the festive atmosphere and provide additional entertainment.

The Naqash, found here, is an ancient art, done on the silverware which is responsible for the determination of prices, similar is the consideration of the weight. The shawls, silk and carpets exhibited at this fair are hand woven and knotted. These handicrafts are engraved by the craftsmen and offer them great opportunities in making good money during the fair. Tourists from all over the globe visit Kashmir and become a part of this amazingly beautiful fair.

This fair is often fused with people dancing and singing in their traditional ways. Dumhal is a type of folk dance which is performed by Kashmiri men on this occasion. The performance requires the dancers’ to wear long colorful robes, tall conical caps that are studded with beads and shells. Like every Indian fair, this fair comprises of swings which cheer people of every age, need not to mention, especially children.

This fair embosses Kashmiri culture & tradition and defines the fascinating beauty of Kashmir. It proves to be an excellent tourist attracting element of Kashmir.

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