Two-Day Historic 'Bali Badh Mela' Kicks Off in Manikpur with Grand Ram Dal Tableau and Cultural Spectacle

Manikpur , Kunda : The historic two-day religious and cultural fair, the 'Bali Badh Mela', officially began at the Military Ground in the temple town of Manikpur. The celebrations commenced with traditional rituals at the revered Siddhapeeth Maa Jwalamukhi Devi Dham, where Ramlila Committee Manager Sunil Kumar Sonkar and President Mahesh Kumar मौर्य (Maurya), alongside other committee members, offered prayers, broke a coconut, and ceremoniously flagged off the grand Rama tableau (Rama Dal).

Under strict police security led by Manikpur Station House Officer Pankaj Kumar Rai—featuring personnel deployed in both uniform and plainclothes across every corner of the venue—the grand procession moved forward. Led by a striking contingent of seven horses under the guidance of Salil Srivastava and Vipin, the tableau traversed a 1.5-kilometer route from Jwalamukhi Devi Dham intersection through Sabalganj, Babhanpur, and local educational institution routes, before arriving at the Military Ground. Along the route, Nagar Panchayat Chairman Representative Ashutosh Jaiswal 'Dimpu Bhaiya' warmly welcomed the floats, honoring participants with traditional shawls and mementos.

Upon reaching the Military Ground, committee officials performed a formal Aarti to welcome Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshmana. The evening atmosphere was electrified by breathtaking illuminated floats and mesmerizing dance performances by visiting artists, keeping the audience spellbound late into the night. The event also featured an engaging competitive musical Kirtan program, anchored by Manager Sunil Kumar Sonkar, who later felicitated the winning and runner-up teams with shields, garlands, and certificates.

Prominent figures present during the inauguration included Mahesh Kumar मौर्य, Sunil Kumar Sonkar, Ashutosh Jaiswal, Satyam Maharaj, Dr. Vijay Yadav, Mathura Prasad Dhuriya, Premnath Dixit, and several other local dignitaries and committee members. The grand festivities will continue into their second and final day on Wednesday, featuring a high-profile state-level wrestling championship (Inami Dangal) at the Military Ground, followed by an entertaining traditional Nautanki performance at night.