A Ghost Fair!
Did you know – A Ghost Fair is organized every year in India!!!
India is home to several folklores, many superstitious beliefs, mysterious beings, and bizarre occurrences. One such tale hails from Malajpur(Madhya Pradesh), where Ghost Fairs are organized every year, between January and February.
The essence of a fair is about the fun-filled events, chatter all around, numerous food stalls, and colourful items on display, meant to be enjoyed with friends and families. A fair typically embodies a lively atmosphere filled with joyous events with bustling conversations with flocks of people with vibrant energy. However, the concept of a Ghost Fair is quite unsettling. The idea of organizing an event specifically to witness paranormal activities is quite unusual and intriguing. It challenges our conventional understanding of fairs, replacing the typical fun and laughter with a sense of mystery and suspense. This bizarre twist to explore the unknown and experience the thrill of the supernatural is mysterious.
Legend has it that this tradition dates back three centuries, originating in 1770 with a Saint named Guru Baba Saheb. Known for his healing powers, Guru Baba Saheb was believed to possess spiritual abilities that enabled him to perform exorcisms, liberating those afflicted by ghostly possessions. His extraordinary talent became the talk of the town, drawing people from far and wide who sought his help. Each year, more and more people flocked to see him, eventually transforming these gatherings into what is now known as a ‘fair’. This annual event continues to attract large crowds, all eager to witness the supernatural and seek spiritual healing. It is still believed that the descendants of Guru Baba Saheb are equally blessed with spiritual abilities to deal with supernatural spirits and can definitely free people from ghostly possessions. In short, they are the ones who can perform exorcisms.
Today, a temple stands in memory of Guru Baba Saheb, drawing crowds who seek his blessings during the Ghost fair. It is believed that he was laid to rest near a banyan tree after his passing. This sacred site, known as the Samadhi Sthal, attracts large numbers of people who come to pay their respects and receive blessings. The temple and the Samadhi Sthal have become central to the fair. The annual gathering continues to honour his memory and the miraculous powers attributed to him.
Every year, people from all over India travel to Malajpur in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, to witness the unique and eerie Ghost Fair. This event is believed to involve the liberation of evil souls from the earth. According to local beliefs, these souls depart through a specific path by the banyan trees. Due to this superstition, people generally avoid taking that route. The fair attracts large crowds who come to experience the supernatural occurrences and seek blessings from the descendants of Guru Baba Saheb, who are thought to possess spiritual abilities to perform exorcisms and free people from ghostly possessions.
While reading about the Ghost Fair in Malajpur might pique your curiosity, actually witnessing it can be quite unsettling. Picture yourself in the midst of a crowd where people are behaving erratically, some even displaying violent tendencies. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of dread, as individuals blabber incoherently, seemingly under the influence of supernatural forces. The constant fear of ghosts or demons creates a heavy, oppressive feeling that hangs in the air. This is not a spectacle for the faint-hearted. The eerie sensation of being surrounded by entities beyond our understanding can be overwhelming. It’s a scene that might compel you to flee rather than stay and observe. The fair, with its bizarre and disturbing sights, is a stark reminder that not all cultural experiences are meant to be enjoyed by everyone. For many, the fear and discomfort overshadow any sense of intrigue or fascination. The Ghost Fair is a unique event, but its unsettling nature makes it an experience that only the bravest or most curious might dare to witness firsthand.