Page 27 - Mann Ki Baat English
P. 27
The objective of the programme is to Madhavpur Mela, a beautiful example of ‘Ek
MADHAVPUR FAIR promote the mutual understanding Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, signifies the
among
people
different
of
States/Union Territories. It make us historic ties between Gujarat and the
AN AMAZING GLIMPSE OF UNITY IN ART, aware of our responsibilities as citizens Idu-Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. What
of a country woven by diverse linguistic, one wonders is how a fair connects two
CULTURE, AND DIVERSITY cultural and religious states situated on the extreme eastern and
threads-responsibility not to merely western ends of the country?
know about the unique characteristics
India, since time immemorial, has been of other States/UTs, but also to According to mythology Lord Krishna’s wife
India’s culture, our languages, known for its diversity. Be it the acknowledge and appreciate the Rukmini was the daughter of the legendary
our dialects, our way of life, our inherent ties between different cultures King Bhishmak (of Bhismaknagar) of the
languages or the geography, cuisines or
culinary range, all of this and communities. As Prime Minister
costumes, art forms or traditions - Idu-Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.
diversity is our great strength. Shri Narendra Modi has said, “Sardar
diversity has always been inherent to Bhismaknagar, located near Roing in the
From east to west, from north to Patel had given us ‘Ek Bharat’ and now it
our country. Lower Dibang Valley district, also finds
south, this diversity binds India is our responsibility to make it
together, leading to Ek Bharat ‘Shreshtha Bharat’.” mention in Kalika Purana. According to
Despite these variations, this diversity
Shreshtha Bharat. Here too, both mythological beliefs, Rukmini had accepted
continues to nurture India’s greatness And to understand the feeling of unity
our historical sites and Pauranic
as well as its integrity. India’s unity in in diversity and to continue to rise on Lord Krishna as her husband. However, her
literature contribute a lot. the path of greatness, we need to
diversity stands unparalleled in the brother Rukmi opposed this and proposed
explore the underlying ties amidst this
Prime Minister Narendra Modi whole world. that the princess be married to Shishupāla. At
diversity and rediscover our traditional
(in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address) Rukmini’s request, Lord Krishna abducted her
Just like the beauty of a rainbow lies in roots. ‘Madhavpur Mela’ of Gujarat is
one such fine example of our traditions to prevent an unwanted marriage and
the unique combination of its seven
signifying the regional ties, symbolizing brought her with him to the present-day
colours, the varied cultures and
‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. Gujarat. It is believed that it was in
traditions of India make it stand apart
from rest of the world. ‘Unity in Diversity’ - The Prime Minister, in the March 2022 Madhavpur where Lord Krishna and Rukmini’s
we revel in our diversity and at the same ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, said, wedding took place and the fair celebrates
“Madhavpur Mela is held in the village
time stand united as a nation. Spread this holy union.
of Madhavpur near the sea at
over an area of about 33 lakh square -
Porbandar in Gujarat. But it also The 15th Century Madhavarai temple,
kilometre, India is home to several
connects with the eastern end of India. signifies this site. During the celebrations,
languages, beliefs, and traditions.
You must be thinking how this is
Despite the complexity, certain inherent possible! The answer to this also comes which last about a week, a colourful chariot
carrying the idol of Lord Krishna goes around
linkages bind us together - a shared from a Pauranik story. It is said that
history, our values, and even our thousands of years ago Lord Krishna the village. This fair also celebrates the
folktales and myths. Perhaps, this is was married to Rukmini, a princess immortal journey that Rukmini made with
from the North East. This marriage took
what makes us Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Lord Krishna from Arunachal Pradesh to
place in Madhavpur, Porbandar and as
Bharat. And to enhance this very spirit Gujarat. Indeed, Madhavpur Mela is an
a symbol of that marriage, even today
among the masses, the Government exemplar of the Prime Minister’s resolution of
Madhavpur fair is held there. This deep
initiated the ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
relationship between the East and West
Bharat’ programme. is our heritage.”
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