Folk festivals and fairs are the core of Gujarat’s Bhatigal culture. Garvi Gujarat’s heritage of traditional and innovative folk culture is being celebrated in a prominent way in Gujarat in the form of folk festivals along with pomp and show. Being physically fit and disciplined is essential for success in life, the Desi Malla Kusti Mela of Pindara village in Devbhoomi Dwarka district of Saurashtra has become a symbol of physical fitness, bravery and sportsmanship. Pindara village near Dwarka is connected with the story of Mahabharata. According to the story, the ashram of Lord Shri Krishna’s Guru, Durvasa Rishi was in Pindara village. Even today this tank and the Rana tree where Sage Durvasa used to sit is a symbol of faith. There is a belief that stones were removed for salvation in the tank. At this place there is a sand ground by the sea where for years the youths of the surrounding villages and talukas gather in a fair to play wrestling on the day of Shravani A

Author-Gopi Shah