The Uttar Pradesh government has refused to grant permission for the annual Neja Mela in Sambhal district this year, following objections raised by members of the public regarding the event’s association with Syed Salar Masud Ghazi. He is alleged to have played a role in the looting of the Somnath temple in Gujarat during the 11th century, an event that has remained a significant historical controversy.
The Neja Mela, traditionally held a week after Holi in certain parts of Sambhal, is organized in remembrance of Syed Salar Masud Ghazi. He was the nephew of Mahmud of Ghazni, the Turkish ruler known for his repeated invasions of India. Historical accounts suggest that Mahmud of Ghazni raided the Somnath temple in 1025 CE, and it is believed that Ghazi accompanied him during this attack.
Speaking on the matter, Additional Superintendent of Police, Sambhal, Shirish Chand, stated that while the Neja Mela has been organized in the district for many years, concerns have emerged regarding its historical associations. “Some individuals have objected to the event, arguing that it commemorates Syed Salar Masud Ghazi, who has been linked to the plundering of the Somnath temple. In light of these objections, the authorities have decided not to grant permission for the fair this year,” Chand told members of the fair’s planning committee in a meeting held on Monday.
He further emphasized that any attempt to set up a memorial in Ghazi’s name would be met with strict action, categorizing such efforts as an “evil practice” rather than a legitimate tradition. The administration’s stance has effectively halted the event this year, disappointing many members of the Neja Committee.
Chaudhary Shahid Ali, chairman of the Neja Committee, expressed his disappointment over the government’s decision. “For years, the Neja Mela has been held without any issue. By planting the Neja (javelin) in the ground, we mark the commencement of a week-long fair that includes various social and cultural activities. However, with the government’s denial of permission, we are left with no choice but to comply,” Ali remarked.
Previously, committee members had approached Vandana Mishra, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Sambhal, to seek approval for the event. However, their request was turned down. Mishra explained that during discussions last year, a decision was made to rebrand the event as the ‘Sadbhavna Mela’ to promote social harmony and avoid controversy. However, the Neja Committee remained firm in its stance, insisting that the fair should continue in its traditional format without modifications. “Despite attempts to present a compromise solution, the committee members were adamant about maintaining the original nature of the event,” Mishra told local media outlets.
The issue surrounding the Neja Mela comes in the backdrop of heightened communal sensitivities in Sambhal. Last year, the district witnessed widespread violence following a court-directed survey of the local Shahi Jama Masjid. The survey was initiated in response to a civil suit filed by a priest and six others, who claimed that a Hindu temple once stood at the mosque’s location. The controversy resulted in significant tensions in the area, further complicating matters related to religious and historical events.
With the denial of permission for this year’s Neja Mela, the future of the event remains uncertain. While some community members view it as a cultural tradition, others see it as a historical controversy that should not be celebrated. The situation continues to be a matter of debate, with authorities keen on maintaining peace and harmony in the district.
