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The Baba Fair is an occasion of festivity and rejoicing in Baba's Love. At some places a day prior to the Fair, a continuous praise of the qualities of God, and identifying Baba with God, is performed. Village life with all its arts manifests in its gaiety and simplicity; the place where Baba's photo is installed is decorated with flowers, buntings, etc. Sweetmeat and flower shops are set up nearby.
During the Fair a special time is allotted to wrestling, which is very much enjoyed by the villagers. At Alampura folk dancers perform a dance called "Diwari." In this dance a score of people in colorful costumes, sticks in hand and a belt of tiny bells round their waist, form a circle. The chief singer sings a few lines in praise of God and at the end of it, as the drummer begins to play loudly on the drum, the dancers move in a circle, striking sticks in a rhythmical way.
The Fair at different places lasts from one to three days. When a Fair is arranged for more than a day, the lovers move through the villages early in the morning. singing in sweet tunes songs in Baba's praise to awaken the sleepers. At night there is a Baba-bhajan and "kirtan" program.
On the last day, Baba’s photo is taken in procession on a decorated seat carried by a lover high on his head. The seven-colored Baba-Flag is token aloft side by side with the photo. The procession is led by a village band. It terminates on an open ground where a general meeting is held. Here prominent Baba-workers deliver speeches expounding Baba's Message of Truth and Love. The meeting ends amidst loud cheers, with the four slogans―
''Let Righteousness prevail in the world." |
"Let the Reign of Love be established." |
"Let Life Divine be awakened." |
"Let the Name of All-powerful Meher be glorified!" |
The last item of the Fair is a small gathering of Baba-workers where they honestly exchange their experiences about Beloved Baba and His Divine Cause.
These are the days when the lovers meet one another in Baba's love and renew their love in Baba's remembrance; and their resolve to hold firm to Baba's "daaman" is strengthened, and their understanding about Baba's work is quickened and their zeal and enthusiasm for it is increased. Such gatherings will ever serve as a standing inspiration for generations to come to be worthy to receive the Eternal Love of the Ancient One!
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