Punjab - Maghi Fair

The Muktasar Maghi Fair is held in the month of January in the town of Muktasar. It is one of the most popular festivals of Punjab and is held on Makar Sankranti. This fair does not have any religious significance as such.

Pilgrims from every nook and corner of the country come to the holy Khidrane di Dhab for a sacred dip. A huge fair is organized on Makar Sankranti and a large number of people gather to take part in the Maghi Fair. A large procession of pilgrims walks to the Gurdwara of Tibbi Sahib. This is a three-day long festival.

The Lohri or Maghi Fair actually venerates the last sowing of the Ravi crop, a Winter Crop of North India, especially Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. During the Lohri or Maghi Fair a bonfire is lit and men and women dance to the tune of music around it.

This bonfire is an integral part of this fair. People throw popcorn, puffed rice and sweets into this flame as a way of offering sacrifice to God, so that he in turn blesses them with a rich harvest.

Colorfully dressed men and women visit the Fair, where articles of everyday use, pottery items and foods are available in plenty. Stalls are also given for splendid cards, pictures, and attires.

It is worthwhile to mention here that the Fairs in Himachal Pradesh are important both spiritually and economically. They induce a sense of spiritual awareness and also make the state more affluent because these Fairs are frequented by numerous visitors from outside and therefore gather a huge sum of money.

The name Mukatsar Maghi Fair has been derived from the Muktsar which the name of the 40 liberated Mukhtas who died a valiant death in the Battle of Khidrana. They showed tremendous loyalty to the religion and so, they are adored by the people still now.

"Loyalty is still the same, Whether it win or lose the game;
True as a dial to the sun, Although it be not shined upon."


They generally commemorate the life of the 10th Prophet. Khidrana was a beautiful pool and the bodies of the dead were cremated on the 1st day of Magh Month, and 13th January is still memorable for the incident. At Mukatsar a massive mob accumulates to commemorate the incident. This is also known as the Mukatsar Maghi Fair. The aficionado march in the form of a pageant from the Main Shrine to the holy Tibbi Sahib; this is sacred for Guru Gobind Singh.

Call it Lohri, Maghi, Pongal or Sankranti, the festival conveys the same message -- the bond of brotherhood and the spirit of oneness should prevail despite all odds.

It is also said that during this time Lord Krishna manifests himself almost perceptibly. So, he can easily hear his disciple's urge for him. Since this time is so propitious, Lohri Fair is held with tremendous zeal and enthusiasm. The Maghi Fair is thus an unforgettable experience.
The Maghi Fair is generally held at the time of Magh, or January. It actually coincides with the Lohri Festival which occurs during Uttarayan of the Sun, or it's Northward Sojourn.

Have anyone celebrated this festival