Jalandhar: Preparations for Sodhal fair begin
Jalandhar: With only two weeks left for the Sodal Mela to begin, the Chadha and Anand fraternity associated with the Siddh Sodal Mandir have reportedly begun preparations. The mela will begin on September 14 and the main day will be on September 17, which is also a local holiday in Jalandhar. It is estimated that 10 lakh people from across the region will visit the mela. “We have begun preparations for the mela, the first step for which is sowing barley seeds (khetdi), which will be offered at the venue on the main day,” said Surinder Chadha, secretary of the trust. “Men, women and anyone who has faith in the deity observe a fast during the mela. The fast is broken after offering mathi or topa prepared for Baba Sodal at the temple. Mathi is the main prasad of the occasion. On the main day, tawa roti is not made in our homes. We can either eat puri or just fruits,” he added. Giving information about the historical details, Surinder Chadha said that the incident on which Sodal Mela is based dates back to 1865. He said, “I am the fourth generation to be the custodian of the temple in my family. It was my family that donated the land for the establishment of the temple. Now the temple is built in an area of 26 Kanal and 60 Marla. Now the administration takes care of the premises.” About Baba Sodal Baba Sodal’s mother was from the Chadha clan, while his father was from the Anand clan. Although Chadha has been more associated with the festival, Anand also participates in it. There was a pond at the temple site in 1865.
Baba Sodal, who was three years old at the time, went near the pond to wash clothes despite his mother’s instructions. Seeing Sodal reach the spot, his mother scolded him and asked him to take a dip in the pond. As per the story, Baba Sodal asked his mother to repeat her words three times, which she did. He jumped into the pond and was never seen again. It is said that Baba Sodal gave up his life for his mother’s wish. It is believed that he turned into a snake. The Samadhi of Bal Devta has been established at this place, which is decorated and offerings are made here. For the past many years, an annual fair is organized at this place in the month of Bhadon, in which people of all castes and sects come.
