Chhapar Mela

[1] This mela (fair), held in memory of Gugga[2] is one of the most popular and spectacular festivals of the Malwa belt of Punjab.

[3] This three-day fair commemorates the descent of the Gugga Veer, a Chauhan Rajput, into the bosom of Mother Earth along with his steed.

The fair is celebrated at Gugge di Marhi, a big holy place built in his memory that has a reputation for curing people of snake bites.

The fair is held on the Anant Chaturdashi on the 14th day of the bright half of the Bhadon (mid-August through mid-September as per the Hindu calendar).

[4] The legend narrates the story of a boy and a snake born together in an agricultural family in Chhapar village.

The farmers of the Malwa belt recognise the fair to the extent that they change the agricultural chores according to the dates of the mela.