Jawalamukhi- A massive surge of devotees was witnessed at Kaleshwar in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi. Thousands of people gathered at the banks of the Beas River in Dehra subdivision to take a holy dip and seek blessings. Devotees started arriving early in the morning, and the crowd kept swelling as the day progressed.
Large numbers of pilgrims were seen on both sides of the Beas River, with many also visiting Panjtirthi Ghat to perform religious rituals. On this occasion, devotees offered prayers at the historic Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple.
Believed to be around 500 years old, the temple is associated with the Pandavas, who, according to legend, built it during their exile. The Shiva Lingam in the temple is considered unique as it is स्थापित (installed) below ground level and is believed to sink slightly deeper every year. Later, the structure was completed by the Katoch rulers. Due to its religious importance, the site is often referred to as “Chhota Haridwar.”
Heavy Rush at Jawalamukhi Temple, Devotees Face Hardships
A similar rush was witnessed at the Jawalamukhi Temple, where thousands of devotees queued up for darshan. The temple route remained overcrowded throughout the day, with people waiting in long lines for 3–4 hours.
However, inadequate arrangements caused inconvenience to visitors. The lack of proper drinking water facilities led to distress among devotees, who had to wait for hours without basic amenities. Long queues stretched from the temple परिसर (complex) to the bus stand.
Local shopkeepers also reported that overcrowding and mismanagement negatively affected their business.
Additionally, the presence of beggars along the temple route created problems for visitors. There were complaints of aggressive behavior, including attempts to snatch money from devotees. Police officials stated that action is being taken, but the issue persisted during the day.
Changing Face of the Fair, Traditions Fading
The Kaleshwar Baisakhi fair, once known for its rich cultural and social significance, is gradually losing its traditional charm.
Earlier, the fair was marked by folk music, drum beats, women singing traditional songs, cattle trading, and social interactions. It also served as a platform where families formed रिश्ते (alliances) and newly married couples were introduced to community customs.
The ritual of “Rali-Shankar Pujan” was another key tradition, where unmarried girls prayed for a suitable life partner and immersed idols in the river on Baisakhi.
Safety and Management Concerns Raised
Despite being declared a state-level fair, several concerns were raised regarding arrangements and safety:
Lack of proper bathing ghats along the river
Risky boat crossings over the Beas River
Overcharging by boat operators
Concerns over women’s safety
Inadequate crowd and law enforcement management
Incidents of misbehavior by unruly elements were also reported, raising serious concerns among visitors.
While the festival reflected deep faith and devotion among the people, the lack of proper infrastructure and management overshadowed the spirit of the event.
With better planning, improved facilities, and stricter security measures, this significant religious gathering can regain its cultural glory and provide a safer, more comfortable experience for devotees.