Fair and Festivals
Marriage of Baba Ji at Batala
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was married in Batala to Bibi Sulakhani and a big annual fair is held to commemorate the marriage. Gurudwara Dera Sahib and Kandh Sahib built on the spots where marriage rites were performed attract pilgrims from all over the state.
Baisakhi at Pandori Mahantan
Pandori Mahantan is situated 8 Kms east of Gurdaspur city. It is an old Dera (monastery) of Mahants, the management of which has passed from Guru (preceptor) to his chela (disciple) for generations. The monastery was founded sometime in the reign of Emperor Jahangir (1605-1627) by a famous of Hindu saint Bairagi Bhagwanji.
Punjab is famous for its Baisakhi fair Baisakhi is observed at many places in the state. Pandori Mahantan is one such place. It is not known since when the Baisakhi fair at Pandori Mahantan is being celebrated. Some suggest that the fair was first held when Baba Narainji succeeded his Guru Baba Bhagwanji about four centuries ago and has been held every year since then. The fair lasts for three days from Ist to 3rd Baisakh, corresponding from 13th to 15th April.
Babehali’s Chhinjh (Wrestling) Mela
Babehali is situated 4 Kms from Gurdaspur city. A Chhinjh Mela is held here every year in the last week of August. Wrestlers from India and abroad participate in this Mela. Cultural programmes are also held here by various artists from all over Punjab.
Kalanaur
Kalanaur, a historical town of Gurdaspur District, is situated towards the west of Gurdaspur at a distance of 25 Kilometres. Akbar the great, the famous Mughal Emperor was coronated at a raised platform, 2 Kilometers east of Kalanaur on 14th February 1556 AD. Since time immemorial, a big Shivratri fair is held every year in the Mahakaleshwar temple on Shivratri day when a large number of devotees gather here to celebrate the festival of Shivratri.