**Excerpt:** The Mahim Mela in Mumbai is set to take place from December 5 to 15, attracting thousands of devotees and offering a mix of spiritual and festive experiences.
Key Points:
– The Mahim Mela, honoring Sufi saint Makhdoom Ali Mahimi, will run from December 5 to 15.
– Over 100 volunteers will assist authorities in managing the event and ensuring safety.
– The mela will feature traditional offerings, Qawwali performances, and various amusement rides.
– Food stalls will offer a variety of local delicacies, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
– This annual event has been a staple in Mumbai for 124 years, bringing joy to thousands of families.
Mahim Mela Overview
The Mahim Mela, an annual event held in honor of Sufi saint Makhdoom Ali Mahimi, is set to take place from December 5 to 15. Although it is not a birth or death anniversary celebration, the mela draws thousands of devotees eager to pay homage and seek blessings from the revered scholar.
Preparations in Motion
Preparations for the mela are well underway at both the dargah and the fair zone. Suhail Khandwani, managing trustee of Mahim and Haji Ali Dargahs, confirmed that meetings with various departments, including the BMC and police, have been held to ensure a smooth and peaceful event.
“We have held meetings with different departments like BMC, traffic police, fire brigade and police to ensure the peaceful observance of offering sandals and holding the mela,” Khandwani stated.
Volunteer Support
To manage the expected influx of visitors, over 100 certified volunteers will assist police personnel. Some volunteers will be stationed outside Mahim railway station to direct devotees to the dargah and mela ground. Khandwani emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum, instructing sandal committees to refrain from playing DJ music while visiting the dargah.
Opening Ceremonies
The mela will commence with the first sandal offering from the Mumbai police, followed by participation from approximately 450 to 500 groups bringing sandals to the saint’s mausoleum. The event will officially start after the magrib (evening) namaz, featuring the lighting of lamps, sprinkling of attar, and traditional drumming to mark the occasion.
Festivities and Attractions
Beyond spiritual offerings, the mela will transform the area into a vibrant fair. Families can enjoy amusement rides and games, with a special kids’ zone designed for younger attendees. The food stalls will present a variety of local dishes, from payas and kebabs to sweet treats like halwa and malpuas.
Fazil Zubair Jhoolawala, a long-time participant in the mela, noted, “We wait for this mela the whole year. Over 2,000 families depend on the mela which has kept its date with the city for the last 124 years.”
The Mahim Mela, a cherished tradition, promises to deliver both blessings and enjoyment to all who attend, reinforcing its significance in Mumbai’s cultural landscape.
Leave a Reply