'Ya Waris'

By Staff Writer, *'Faith keeps tradition alive'* The Times of India - Lucknow, India; Sunday, October 23, 2011

Lucknow: The annual fair organised to ensure that Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah stays in Dewa for his devotees ended with glittering fireworks on Saturday.

The saint is believed to be the 26th descendant of Hazrat Imam Hussain who lived about 100 years ago.

Legend says that Sarkar, as Haji Waris Shah is remembered by his followers, preferred wandering. But, his devotees wanted him to stay at Dewa for sometime. So they proposed to organise a fair to mark the death anniversary of his grandfather. He accepted the proposal on the condition that the mela be held around Karwa Chauth.

Dewa Mela attracts pilgrims from across the country to seek the saint's blessings.

They can be seen carrying chadars over their heads and chanting 'Ya Waris'.

"The echo of qawwalis and devotional songs makes the visit a spiritual experience," said MA Khan, a devotee.

Over the years, Dewa Mela has grown manifolds. "In the three important days of the festival (October 16-18), an estimated 20 lakh people visited," said Vikas Gothalwal, district magistrate Barabanki.

On what makes Dewa Mahotsava special, he said, "Faith keeps the tradition alive."

The fair, housing scores of stalls, a cattle and horse market, serve business purposes to the rural populace.

Cultural events, that saw performances from ghazal singer, Ghulam Ali and qawwali duo Sabri brothers, Bhojpuri singer Manoj Tewari, bhajan singer Anoop Jalota, acted as a bigger crowd puller. Kavi sammelan, Mushaira and Kishor Kumar night were equally popular.

Keeping the worldly characteristics aside, the mela is an occasion to remember the saint who was blessed since childhood. According to legends, Sarkar memorised the Quran even though he took lessons rather reluctantly.

As he grew up, instances proving his exceptional powers increased. Once the saint was crossing river Ghaghara on his way to Bahraich, but floods came in the way. Since there was no boat available, he decided to swim. This scared his companions who followed him reluctantly when the saint directed them. Surprisingly, the water was only knee-deep and everyone easily waded through.

It is also said that Haji always appeared tall in any gathering while his feet never showed any sign of dirt even though he remained bare-footed. Another commonly known thing about him is that he did not have a shadow.

[Picture: Urs in Dewa Shareef. Photo: Saint Waris Ali Shah Website.