A thousand wishes for the sadhu

SUKKUR: Dressed in bright colours and carrying a thousand prayers in their hearts, Hindu men, women and children flock towards the Sadhu Bela Mandir. Traversing hundreds of miles and braving a ride on rickety, overburdened boats, the followers make their way to the island in Sukkur where the mandir (temple) is located.

Around 3,000 people had arrived on the island around mid afternoon on Saturday to mark the beginning of the 147th anniversary of their sadhu, Baba Ban Khandi. An estimated 6,000 followers from across the country take part in the three-day mela every year.

“We wait for the mela all year,” two girls from Moro said, “We bring all our prayers here and they are always fulfilled.” The festive girls said they loved the mela for its religious significance and because it afforted them a chance to spend some time with their relatives.

Lighting diyas and fires, singing and praying to their deities, the devotees inaugurated the anniversary of their sadhu. They also stood by the edge of River Indus and addressed special prayers for the safety of the country and community.

A Hindu delegation from the Shadani Darbar in India is also expected to take part in the event.

According to Dewan Chand Chawla, former general secretary of the Hindu Panchayat and the current leader of a local Hindu association, all arrangements have been finalised. All those coming in from far flung areas will be accommodated within the temple, he said, adding that food, living and other needs of guests will be taken care of.

Lines of stalls outside the temple seem to substantiate the Hindu leader’s claims, with sweets and flowers adding bright colours and smells to the festivities.

Keeping in mind the Friday series of explosions at railway stations across Sukkur, security has been beefed up as well. Around 30 policemen could be seen patrolling the area with other security personnel have also been put on high alert. A temporary check post has also been set up. Several large tents have also been put up for the visitors so that they have a place to rest during the hot day.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2010.