Nagpur Mela

 "Did You Know? Nagpur’s Hidden Gem: The 110-Year Legacy of the Nag Panchami Mela"

I am proud to be the third generation in my family to witness and cherish this remarkable mela, a tradition that has withstood the passage of time for over 110 years. Long before the CA Road was laid and the Chandralok building rose into the skyline, this mela was already a part of our city's living heritage—and to this day, it continues to be celebrated with the same spirit.

What makes this mela truly unique is that it is held only once a year, exclusively on the auspicious occasion of Nag Panchami. Each year, as I walk through its vibrant lanes, I am overwhelmed with nostalgia. So many of my childhood memories are interwoven with this event—from the thrill of rides to the joy of saving every rupee just to buy toys and play games.

Through conversations with elders in the community, I’ve come to learn that what we see today is but a glimpse of what this mela once was at its peak. In earlier times—before the construction of Hotel Rajdhani and Devani Dharmshala—there was ample open ground, where dangal, akhadas, tournaments, and a host of games were organized with grandeur and enthusiasm.

People from across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh would travel great distances to be part of this annual celebration. The mela was a vibrant hub, drawing merchants from far and wide who would set up stalls selling everything from handcrafted goods to traditional snacks. The grounds were alive with thrilling rides, game booths, and food vendors offering delights that have become etched in the memory of generations.

Today, I felt compelled to share this treasured piece of Nagpur's living history with my fellow Nagpurians—a rare and enduring celebration that has continued unfailingly for over a century, every year on Nag Panchami.