Fairs Celebrated in Punjab

Fairs Related to Sikhs

• Kup Fair
  Held in Kup village (Malerkotla) during October, this fair honors the memory of 30,000 Sikhs who were killed while defending against Ahmed Shah Abdali’s forces in 1762.

• Maghi Mela (Muktsar Fair)
  A grand gathering held annually in January, the day after Lohri, to commemorate the bravery of the 40 Muktas who died during the Battle of Khidrana, fought between the Mughal army and Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The fair also includes a cattle exhibition in Lambi Dhab, showcasing superior breed horses.

• Nanaksar Fair
  This fair celebrates the death anniversary of Baba Nand Singh, also known as the ‘Saint of Kaleran.’ Although held at Nanaksar, the saint’s headquarters, it is organized in Kaleran village near Jagraon, Ludhiana District.

• Bhai Mani Singh Fair
  Held in Longowal (Sangrur) in November or December, this fair commemorates the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh. The event is known for wrestling, kabaddi, and other traditional games.

• Shaheedi Jor Mela (Now Shaheedi Sabha)
  A three-day religious event at Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib every December, dedicated to the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s youngest sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh.

• Gurudwara Parivar Vichhora Sahib Fair
  This fair, often lasting for three days in December, takes place at Gurudwara Parivar Vichhora Sahib in Sirsa Nangal (Rupnagar) to honor the historic significance of the site.

• Jand Sahib Fair
  Held at Har Raipura (Bhokhri) near Bathinda, this fair takes place in the month of Phagan. It is in remembrance of Guru Har Rai’s visit and attracts large crowds.

• Hola Mohalla Fair
  A vibrant fair held at Anandpur Sahib, celebrated by Sikhs in the month of March to showcase traditional Sikh military skills and foster a sense of camaraderie.

Fairs Related to Hinduism

• Gugga Naumi (Chhapar Fair)
  This September fair, held at Chhapar village (Ludhiana), honors Gugga Pir, a snake deity, with a week-long celebration. It has grown from a local gathering to a major event.

• Jarg (Basrian) Fair
  Celebrated in the month of Chaitra in Jarg village (Tehsil Payal, Ludhiana District), the fair includes unique rituals like creating a shrine of Goddess Seetala from earth, which is then offered jaggery.

• Rajni Devi Temple Fair
  Held at Rajni Devi Temple near Chabbewal (Hoshiarpur), this fair occurs during Navratri, in Chaitra and Asuj months, attracting visitors for both religious purposes and mundan ceremonies.

Fairs Related to Islam

• Bara Rauza Fair
  A yearly event at the shrine of a Muslim saint in Garhshankar (Hoshiarpur), drawing people from surrounding villages seeking blessings.

• Jogi Pir Fair
  This fair at Bhokri (Bathinda) celebrates the legacy of Jogi Pir, the Guru of Chahal Jats. The fair is held twice a year, featuring religious activities and cultural events.

• Pir Banoi Fair
  Held in Sunam (Sangrur) in honor of Pir Khawaja Mahmood Banoi, this fair was once a major event but has diminished in size post-partition.

• Roza Sharif Fair
  A significant fair held at the mausoleum of Sheikh at Sirhind (Fatehgarh Sahib), commemorating the Sheikh’s death anniversary.

• Haider Sheikh Fair
  An annual event in Malerkotla at the shrine of Haider Sheikh, attended by people hoping for blessings, especially related to progeny.

• Sheikh Farid Fair
  At Faridkot, this fair honors Baba Farid, a 12th-century Sufi saint, featuring prayers, hymns, and cultural festivities.

• Roshni Fair
  Held in Jagraon (Ludhiana), this “Fair of Lights” honors the Muslim Pir Abdul Kader Jalani. The event is characterized by the lighting of lamps, attracting both Hindus and Muslims.

Fairs Related to Martyrs

• Kuka Fair
  Held on January 17-18 in Malerkotla (Sangrur), this fair honors the sacrifice of 66 Namdharis martyred by the British during the anti-cow slaughter movement in 1872.

• Udham Singh Shaheedi Fair
  Held annually on July 31 at Sunam (Sangrur) to honor the martyrdom of Udham Singh, a freedom fighter known for avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

• Shaheedi Fair
  Celebrated on March 23 at Khatkar Kalan (Hussainiwala), this fair commemorates the execution of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Singh, and Rajguru in 1931.

• Gadri Babian da Mela
  A fair held at Desh Bhagat Yadgar College in Jalandhar to honor the sacrifices of the Ghadar Party activists during the Indian freedom struggle.

Other Fairs

• Harballabh Sangeet Mela
  A four-day classical music festival held every December in Jalandhar to honor Saint-Musician Swami Harballabh.

• Baba Sodal Fair
  Held in Jalandhar, this fair honors Baba Sodal, with people taking dips in a pond considered holy.

• Kila Raipur Sports Festival (Rural Olympics)
  A major rural sports event held in Kila Raipur (Ludhiana) with unique competitions like ox cart races, dog races, and more.

• Heritage Mela
  Held in cities like Patiala, Amritsar, and Ropar, this fair showcases Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.

• Kisan Mela
  Organized at PAU (Ludhiana), this fair focuses on agricultural innovation and solutions.

• Animal Fair
  Held at Muktsar Sahib, it showcases a variety of livestock, especially horses.
  

These fairs represent the rich diversity of cultural, religious, and historical traditions in Punjab, drawing people from all walks of life to celebrate, remember, and honor their legacies.

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