DADA MEKAN FAIR - DHRANG

Dada Mekan Fair, also known as “Dhrang Fair” is an annual celebration in the memory of the famous Saint Menkan Dada and his disciples who served the community with great love and commitment and won their devotion. This fair is being celebrated for three days in the month of Magh (Maha) of Hindu calendar (February–March), on day auspicious day of Mahashivratri in Dhrang village of Kutch, Gujarat. The village is on border to Pakistan. The Saint Mekan Dada took Samadhi (Highest state of consciousness one can achieve through meditation) along with his five followers in Dhrang village. The Samadhis are one of the most revered sites of Kutch and people of all communities come here to pay their respects and offer prayers. It is also believed that all the wishes are fulfilled of visitors to this Samadhi. Mekan Dada, is believed to be the Ninth avatar (incarnation) of Laxman (Brother of Lord Ram) and Baldev (Brother of Lord Krishna). He preached against untouchability and superstitions. Legend has it that Saint Mekan Dada had a dog (“Motiyo”) and a donkey (“Laliyo”) who used to go into the Rann daily, with water and food to quench the thirst and show the direction to the lost travellers. He was known for his simple living and high thinking, Saint Mekan Dada left behind a legacy of his preaching, which earned him the esteem and devotion of generations to come.The premise, where Saint Mekan Dada took Samadhi is a Temple of Lord Shiva. There are Samadhis of his five disciples, samadhi of his animal friends “Laliyo” and “Motiyo”, and the robes he wore with things he used during his lifetime is put on display. There is a historical stepwell and other attraction points including Sun Temple / Shiv Mandir at Kotay village near the Dhrang village.Every year enormous tourists visit the temple and samadhi of Mekan Dada across the nation and participate in spiritual rituals. The fair being traditionally held over the centuries is a huge attraction for the tourists worldwide.