Calls to ban Jeth Fair intensify in Bahraich

There is a growing movement to ban the Jeth Fair in Bahraich district. This fair honors Syed Salar Masood Ghazi and has been held for nearly 980 years. The protests intensified after the recent ban on the Neja Fair in Sambhal. On Friday, the Rashtra Dharak Dal (RDD) protested at the Bahraich collectorate. They presented a seven-point memorandum to a representative of the district magistrate. The memorandum called for an immediate ban on the Jeth Fair and requested a survey of Ghazi's shrine. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also joined the calls for a ban. They claimed that the fair disrespects Hindu traditions and warned of larger protests if their demands are not met. The VHP argued that Ghazi was a historical figure who was defeated by Maharaja Suheldev and that his grave was built by converting a Hindu temple. Defenders of the shrine, however, see the fair as a symbol of unity between Hindus and Muslims. Baqaullah Habib, president of the dargah management committee, stressed that the fair welcomes all faiths. He argued that the 980-year tradition should be preserved and pointed out that the local administration helps ensure safety during the event. Scholar Juned Ahmad ‘Noor’ backed this perspective, emphasizing Ghazi’s Indian roots and his status as a revered Sufi saint. He mentioned that over 80% of the pilgrims at the fair are Hindu. The Bahraich administration has not yet responded to the demands, but police are monitoring the situation to prevent any conflict. The fair attracts between 700,000 to 1 million visitors each year, beginning on the first Thursday of the Hindu month Jyeshth.