।। Baba Khatu Shyam Falgun Mela 2025 ।।
Barbarik, known as Sheesh Ke Daani (the donor of his head), is revered across the world. Pleased by Barbarik’s sacrifice, Lord Krishna addressed him by His own name, which we now know and worship as Khatu Shyam. The Falgun (March) Mela is the main festival dedicated to Baba Khatu Shyam Ji. The primary day of this mela falls on the Shukla Ekadashi (11th day) in the Falgun month. The festival is held over approximately 10 days, starting from the 6th day (Shashti) and continuing through to the 12th day (Dwadashi). Additionally, Shri Khatu Shyam Ji’s birthday is celebrated on Kartika Ekadashi.
The mela also marks the celebration of other major festivals like Krishna Janmashtami, Jhool-Jhulaiya Ekadashi, Holi, and Basant Panchami, which are observed with great enthusiasm and joy.
Millions of devotees come together to partake in the mela, engaging in devotion and prayers to Baba Shri Khatu Shyam, along with activities like bhajan sandhya (evening prayer meetings). Some devotees stay until Holi, playing the festival with Baba Shyam before returning to their homes.
Falgun Mela – The Falgun Mela is the main festival dedicated to Baba Khatu Shyam Ji. This mela is held for 8 days, from the 6th (Shashti) to the 12th (Dwadashi) of the Falgun month (March), based on the lunar calendar. The primary day of the mela is on the Shukla Ekadashi (11th day) of Falgun. Devotees from across the country and abroad come to have a shraddhapurn darshan of Baba Khatu Shyam Ji. After the darshan, they also take part in bhajans and kirtans, enjoying the spiritual atmosphere.
During the bhajan sandhya, various artists perform throughout the night, singing devotional songs and hymns. The number of devotees attending the mela reaches into the millions during this time. To manage such a large gathering, the local administration ensures proper arrangements to prevent any disorder. In addition, there are numerous dharamshalas, parking spaces, and hotels in Khatu Nagar for the convenience of the visitors. Some hotels are even named after Baba, such as Radhe Shyam Hotel, Morvi Hotel, and Lakhdatar Hotel.
Nishan Yatra – Devotees from all over the world come to Khatu Nagar to have darshan of Baba Khatu Shyam Ji. Among them, some devotees undertake the padyatra (Nishan Yatra) from Reengus to reach Baba’s abode. During this yatra, the devotees carry Baba Khatu Shyam Ji’s flag and coconut, along with Baba Ji’s jhanki (idol procession). The jhanki is taken out with great joy, accompanied by band and dhol music. Some devotees even perform dandavat (prostration) while walking around the temple as a mark of respect. During the procession, there are also fireworks, and prasad is distributed to devotees at various places along the way.
Why is the Surajgarh Nishan hoisted on the temple’s Shikhara?
The tradition of hoisting the Surajgarh Nishan (flag) on the temple’s Shikhara (spire) has a remarkable story behind it. Several years ago, on the Falgun Shukla Dwadashi, a competition arose among the devotees from different regions, all eager to hoist the first flag on the Shikhara. While the Surajgarh Nishan had always been hoisted there traditionally, despite this, devotees from far and wide insisted on hoisting their own flags. However, the Surajgarh Nishan continued to hold its place atop the temple, as it had for many years.