Madhavpur cultural fair : A Remarkable Fusion of East and west

nimeshg Apr 4, 2025 0

The celebration of wedding of Shri Krishna and Devi Rukmini holds religious, historical, and cultural significance in India

Celebrating the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ through a 10 – day –long Fusion Dance Festival

The Madhavpur (Ghed) fair is scheduled to be held from 6th April 2025 to 10th April 2025 at Madhavpur(Ghed) village in Porbandar district, Gujarat

Porbandar – Date.04 April 2025, Madhavpur (Ghed): A small but historic village in Gujarat’s Porbandar district, Madhavpur (Ghed) is located on the western coast of Saurashtra, interacting with the spirited waves of the Arabian Sea. This sacred land, made auspicious by the marriage of Lord Shri Krishna and Princess Rukmani of Vidarbha(North East region of India), transcends geographical and Cultural boundaries and embodies vibrant tales of folklore, culture, and Vedic traditions. The glorious village lies 58 km from Porbandar along the coastal highway toward Somnath, marking itself prominently on state and national maps. Flanked by the mesmerizing Arabian Sea to the west and the Girnar mountain range to the east, Madhavpur(Ghed) possesses unique geographical significance. Evenings here feel poetic, accentuated by tall coconut PALMS swaying melodically, adding musical tranquility to nature’s calmness. To commemorate the sacred marriage of Krishna and Rukmini, a five-day cultural – religious fair is traditionally held annually from Ramnavmi to Teras in the Chaitra month.

History of Madhavpur (Ghed) Fair

Madhavpur’s history is closely linked with the Mahabharata era and the life of Lord Krishna. Folklore and scriptures state that It Was in Madhavpur (Ghed) That the Ceremony of Lord Krishna’S Marriage With Rukmini Was Organised. According to Purana, Madhavpur was earlier known as Madhav Tirth located between Prabhas (Somnath) and Dwarika. As per scriptures Rukmaniji, daughter of King Bhishmak from the Northeastern Region, wished to marry Krishna instead of Shishupala, whom her brother Rukmi had favored. She sent a heartfelt letter of devotion to Krishna, prompting him to travel to the northeast from Dwarka with a view to marrying him instead of Shishupal. Thus, Lord Krishna went to Northeast and met Rukamani’s family and realized the love and devotion of Rukamani and he defeated Rukmi, and returned( rukmani haran) with Rukmini to Saurashtra.
En route to Dwarka, they solemnized their marriage at the serene pilgrimage site of Madhavpur. It is said that the Sea-God Retreted To Make Virgin Land Available For The Ritul Of Krishna’S Marriage To Rukmani. Madhavpur preserves monuments and sculptures celebrating this legendary event. The 12th-century Vishnu temple, known as Old Madhavrayaji Temple, showcases India’s splendid architectural heritage. Idols of God Madhavrayji and Trikamrayji from this temple were relocated to a newer temple built in the 17th century by Queen Rupaliba of Porbandar in 1839. Historical sites like Chorimayra, Madhuvan, Rukmani Temple, Brahmakund, seat of MahaprabhujiVallabhacharya, Guru Gorakhnath Sthanak, and Gadawav, associated with legendary stories, stand as cultural treasures. Historian Narottambhai Palan points out the suffix “pur” in Madhavpur, indicating its historical significance.

Madhavpur – Mythological Significance

Madhavpur is mentioned in the 10th canto of the Shrimad Bhagavat. According to mythology, Devi Rukmini, in her message, expressed her complete devotion and surrender to Shri Krishna. Shri Krishna then traveled to Kondichpur (Kundanpur) in Vidarbha, to bring Devi Rukmini. They arrived at Madhavpur, where their wedding took place in Madhuvan as per the Gandharva tradition.

Marriage Rituals and Events in Madhavpur

Every Year, from Chaitra Sud Nom (Ramnavmi) to Chaitra Sud Teras, a five-day fair commemorates Krishna and Rukmini’s marriage. A significant pre-fair tradition includes inscribing the marriage on Falgun Vad Purnima (Holi), attended by priests and devotees at Madhavrayaji temple.

On Ramnavmi night, a procession (VARANANGI) carrying Lord Madhavrayaji and Trikamrayaji with Gopalalaji (Bal Krishna) proceeds with devotional songs, kirtans, and dances. This procession, escorted by police with guard of honor, travels from Madhavrayaji temple to Brahmakund and returns to the temple by late night. Similar processions continue for three days (Nom, Dasam, and Ekadashi).

On Chaitra Sud Baras, a ceremonial procession from Rukmini temple, representing her parental home, arrives at Madhavrayaji temple. Villagers from Kadachh Play The Roles Of The Maternal side of Rukamani And offer Flag to the temple and perform the ritual of Mamera. After That, A Grand Marriage Procession starts Whith women singing traditional marriage songs. The Procession traverses through the main market, recreating scenes OF Krishna-Rukmini marriage.

A kirtan sung during this procession Narrates an attack on Krishna’s followers, after which they swiftly retreat. Then the chariot is run around half a kilometre and the procession pauses at Homalana Vad, then moves to Madhuvan and Chorimayra, where rituals including Kanyadan and Panchayagna-Saptapadi are completed by sunset. Following an overnight stay, the divine couple is returned to the temple amidst vibrant celebrations.

Sri Janak Purohit, Trustee of Madhavaraiji Temple says that the chariot was run during Lord Krishna’s wedding, this tradition continues in today’s wedding ceremony as well. Which is an overview of the mythological period.

Madhavpur – Mythological Significance

A Remarkable Fusion of East and West

The Mishmi tribal folklore of Arunachal Pradesh mentions Devi Rukmini. This fair serves as an initiative to strengthen national unity by linking Arunachal Pradesh in the Northeast with Gujarat in the West through historical and cultural ties. Various activities are undertaken to deepen this connection, celebrating the shared heritage of both regions. By reinforcing the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, this fair aims to showcase India’s rich cultural unity.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Madhavpur Fair Has Become A National-Elvel Event.

Since 2018, Under the Visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi, Madhavpur Fair is being celebrated as a national level Event. The Wedding of Lord Krishna and Goddess Rukmini is a unique opportunity to unite the western and northeastern states. Madhavpur Fair is not just a fair but our cultural heritage. In Madhavpur Fair artists from the northeastern states are presenting cultural programs for four days in Madhavpur. The fair of the year 2025 will be very grand, as for the first time 1600 artists , out of which 800 will be from Gujarat and 800 from the northeastern states, will perform together on a stadium-type ground (Arena). Which will fulfill the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s cultural heritage of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. Madhavpur Fair under the leadership of Gujarat Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel truly brings to life the motto of “Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi” and not only unites the two cultures but also highlights the cultural greatness of Gujarat.

Economic Significance and Employment

Aligned with vision for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and developed nationhood, tourism at Madhavpur fair creates employment opportunities, particularly for northeastern artisans. Government initiatives have boosted local business, visitor numbers, and attractions like sand sculptures and beach sports. Gujarat Tourism, Index-C, Industry Department, and district administration facilitate development in Porbandar.

Dwarka’s Emotional Attachment to Madhavpur Fair

Acknowledging Madhavpur’s emotional bond with Dwarka, Gujarat organizes a Rukmini felicitation event in Dwarka, concluding the fair with cultural performances on 10th April 2025. Highlighting historical sites like Somnath, Dwarka, and Sudama’s Porbandar, these celebrations reflect Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage.
Pre-fair Promotional Events

Gujarat hosts promotional cultural events in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Somnath, and Devbhoomi Dwarka, showcasing the fusion of Gujarat and northeastern states, significantly enhancing public interest in the Madhavpur fair.

District Administration Team Work

Porbandar District Collector Shri S.D. Dhanani says Porbandar district administration has made complete preparations for the fair under the guidance of the Gujarat government with team work, the main objective of our work is to make the people enjoy fair happily, facilities and to aware of the cultural heritage.

(Nimesh Gondaliya)

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