Postponement Sparks Controversy at Jeth Mela Auction

The auction for the annual contracts of Jeth Mela in Bahraich has been postponed by the Waqf Dargah Sharif management due to incomplete documentation. This delay has rekindled debates over historical figures, as some Hindu groups demand a ban on the mela amidst tensions surrounding the legacy of Syed Salar Masud Ghazi.

The highly anticipated auction for the annual Jeth Mela contracts, held at Syed Salar Masud Ghazi's shrine in Bahraich, has been postponed by the Waqf Dargah Sharif management. The decision was taken due to 'unavoidable reasons,' as stated in a notice posted at the shrine's Golghar office.

The delay was attributed to incomplete documentation, according to Bakaullah, the management committee's president. The auction was set to cover various contracts for 2025-26, including Yajdamahi Tehbazari, and has now been postponed until further notice. The recent postponement has reignited tensions surrounding the historical figure Syed Salar Masud Ghazi.

In response, Hindu groups in Bahraich have reiterated their stance against the fair, considering Syed Salar Masud to be an invader. The controversy has drawn further attention after the recent Sambhal administration decision to deny permission for the Neja Mela, and comments by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasizing the rejection of glorifying historical invaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)