Phalguna Mela in Khatushyamji
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The Phalguna Mela is the most important annual festival in Khatushyamji, in district Sikar, Rajasthan, India. It occurs in the month of Phalguna, Dashami to Dwadashi (= the 10th to 12th days), just 3–4 days before the great Indian festival Holi. A large crowd visit here from across India to enjoy a sight of Baba Shyam's idol. Renowned and soulful singers across the country come here to perform bhajans on this holy occasion.
It is said that Barbareek was a bachelor. On this holy occasion pilgrims all over the country come here on foot with nishaans (holy mark - flags) in their hands. People enjoy their holy journey by singing shyam bhajans and playing various musical instruments. They enjoy the journey by playing holi with gulal. Many Shyam Bhaktas supply food to pedestrians in the shade of tents. They encourage also to complete their journey with full enthusiasm. They enjoy this occasion as the marriage of Khatushyamji. People enjoy the mela by purchasing various things. On Dwadashi (= 12th day of month), Bhog is being prepared as Baba's Prasadi of Kheer, Churama.
Special arrangements for security are made to control the crowd. Around 500,000 people visit in three days of this holy mela in this small village. To briefly see Baba Shyam's idol, a very tight security is made with the help of bamboo fence around 2 kilometres (1.2 mi).
In 2008, 1.5 million people visited the village on this occasion.[citation needed]
