Uttar Pradesh village celebrates 110-year-old Devta fair rooted in ancient legend

A village in Uttar Pradesh's Lodha block is set to host its 110th annual Devta fair this evening, continuing a tradition that traces its origins to a devastating epidemic and divine intervention centuries ago.

The fair will be held in Tajpur Rasulpur village on Monday evening with great enthusiasm, according to village head Satyapal Singh. He explained that the fair has been organized continuously since 1916 and will feature wrestling bouts, a Devi Jagran religious ceremony, Rasiya folk performances, cultural programs, swings and stalls.

Prempal Singh, a village elder and fair convener, recounted the centuries-old legend behind the celebration. He said the village was once situated on a mound when an epidemic spread through the community. A saint then declared that the deity was angry and advised villagers to worship the deity and relocate the village. Following this guidance, the village of Tajpur Rasulpur was established at a new location and the Devta fair was started along with wrestling competitions, Jagran ceremonies and Rasiya performances. The Rakshabandhan festival has also been celebrated since then.

The fair serves as the village's main festival and is observed as Rakshabandhan, ensuring that every sister, daughter and other relative makes it a point to attend.

Banwari Lal, president of the fair committee, announced that chief guests will include former Etah Member of Parliament Rajveer Singh alias Raju Bhaiya, Education Minister Sandeep Singh, MLA Rajkumar Sahyogi, block head Harendra Singh, district panchayat member husband Jangjit Singh, district panchayat member Hiralal, Braj region representative Praveen Raj and others.

The main organizers working on the fair include Chandraprakash, Shyoraj Singh, Shubham Kumar, Kishor Kumar, Bhagendra Singh and all the villagers.