Thaindian News

By Suresh Grover

Faridkot (Punjab), Oct 6(ANI): A five-day-long annual fair promoting communal harmony and dedicated to Baba Sheikh Farid, a 12th century Sufi saint, was recently organized in Punjab’s Faridkot city.

The recitation of Sukhmani Sahib followed by a prayer at Gurudwara Tilla Baba Farid, and a series of celebrations marked the ‘Baba Farid Fair’, which was attended by a large number of devotees, who had converged from far off places at Gurudwara Godri sahib.

Several devotees said that Baba Farid gave one message to the world that believing in God is the solution to all difficulties, and someone who does not believe in God has to face problems.

“Baba proved those wrong, who propagated that the God could be attained only if one leaves this materialistic world and goes to the jungles and mediates. He said that if God only be attained by going to forests then this world would again reach Stone Age. God exists within you,” said Inderjit Singh Khalsa, Chairman of Baba Farid Foundation.

Baba Farid, who was born at village Kothewal in the Multan region, now in Pakistan, visited the town in 1215. He is regarded as the prime mystic poet of the Punjabi language.”Baba Farid rested under this `beri’ tree. There he was forced to do labor for the chieftain Mokalsi in the construction of Garhi situated close to Tilla Baba Farid. There a miracle took place. As he was working, the mud basket started to float over his head. Chieftain Mokalsi and all those who saw it, started to bow before the saint,” said Surinder Pal, a devotee.

“Since that day Baba Farid was requested to stay in the town and to bless the place. On request of Baba Farid the city’s name was changed from Mohalhar to Faridkot,” he added.

During the fair, the Baba Farid Society organizes various cultural and sporting activities to attract the youth. It includes a heritage walk and kabaddi contests, which has teams coming in from neighbouring Pakistan. The major attractions of the fair are the lively folk dance performances.

For five consecutive days, visitors from all over Punjab and neighbouring states visit the fair, enjoy rides and eat tasty snacks. But, they enter the playground only after paying obeisance at Gurudwara Tilla Baba farid. (ANI)