Basantrai pond is situated in Basantrai block of Godda district. Which is located about 12 km west of Pathargama block headquarters. This Basantrai pond was inhabited by King Basant Rai. Due to which this place was named Basantrai Bada.
The pond is spread over a total of 50 acres of land. According to mythological stories, it is said that no one could cross this pond from one end of the pond to the other by swimming and boating.
Many times it was announced by Basant Rai King that whoever swims from one end of this pond to the other will be rewarded. But no one could cross the pond among all the swimmers who participated to swim in this Basantrai pond.
Some drowned in the water and went to heaven, some gave up and lost. Those swimmers believed that some power was preventing them from crossing. There are many stories and beliefs about this pond, which we will know in detail later.
Cultural and religious importance of the fair
Basant Panchami is celebrated every year in Basantrai pond. A very big fair is organized around the pond here. This fair starts from 14th April and lasts for 15 days. Religious and cultural programs are organized in it. Many saints and sages start performing puja a week in advance to fulfill their wishes.
And till the fair ends, they set up their tents on the banks of the pond and perform the puja. During the fair, the number of devotees in the pond reaches thousands. Just as in Chhat Puja, puja is performed by entering the pond.
In the same way, in this Basantrai pond also, devotees stand in the water for hours to fulfill their wishes and worship. All the devotees who stay here wear the same clothes.
History of Basantrai Pond Mela
There was another belief about Basantrai Pond, that during marriage or any ceremony, local people used to invite people to this pond. And they used to ask for many kinds of utensils used in that ceremony. And they used to get them miraculously from the pond.
After bringing those utensils and completing all the services, they were again cleaned and sent to the pond. It was said that if any kind of utensil is not sent, then a calamity can come upon him or his family. In today’s time, this does not work.
The main reason for this is that some bad people used to throw the utensils received from here in the pond without cleaning them. Due to which Lord Vishnu-Lakshmi got angry and stopped giving utensils. In today’s time, utensils are not given to any devotee of God.
Mythological History of Basantrai Pond
It is said that the festival and celebration of Basantrai Mela is celebrated in the memory of King Basant Rai. This festival is celebrated every year on 14th April. This fair lasts for about 15 days. In which shops around many ponds bring all the entertainment facilities.
The maximum crowd is seen in this fair. From then till today, the water in Basantrai pond has never dried up. It is always full of water. During the time of the fair, it was seen that the water of the entire pond used to move. But it was never dirty.
In today’s time, due to many people throwing garbage in the pond, the water of the pond has started getting dirty. During the time of the fair, the water starts getting more dirty. It seems as if Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi have become angry with their devotees and have gone away from here.
Historical events and changes
The local people say that about 100 years ago, this pond was built by Raja Basant Rai in one night. It took less than 12 hours to build this pond. The main part of this pond is present on 4 to 5 bighas of land.
The main reason for this destruction is that many people started living by building their houses on the banks of the pond. Due to which the beauty of the pond started to end. Many people made farms, while many people came and settled here.
Geographical position of Basantrai pond
The geographical position of Basantrai pond is not much left in today’s time. Gars were built around the pond. Local people came and settled here from far-off villages. Due to which the geographical position of the pond started to deteriorate.
However, if we talk about beauty, then this pond still looks good. Many big trees have been planted around the pond. Which have been planted by the government.
Due to these trees, shade can be enjoyed here during the fair and on other days. A road has been built along the edge of the pond. If you go or come somewhere from this road, you can see the pond.
Natural beauty and environment of the pond
At present, the government has banned throwing any kind of garbage and waste in the pond. Due to which the condition of the pond has improved today. Today cleanliness is seen all around the pond.
If this work had been done earlier, then perhaps utensils could have been found from this pond even today. Here, this pond has been repaired by the government under many schemes. Many trees have been planted.
Roads have been built nearby, and other development work has been possible under the government’s scheme. Due to which the environment here has become pure and clean. Due to which environmental pollution has been reduced. The beauty of the environment has increased by planting trees.
Features of the fair
Basantrai fair is a kind of religious and cultural fair. In which many swings come. In the fair, there are boats, balloons for children to jump, break dance, Chitrahaar, magicians, many toy shops, means of entertainment and many food shops.
Since this fair is religious, many shops selling religious items also come here. They remain only during the time of the fair. On the remaining days, they go somewhere else. This fair is most crowded with devotees. Who come to worship.
Administrative and security arrangements
Due to the huge crowd in this Basanrai fair, the local administration takes care to control the crowd and provide security. Many facilities are provided to the tourists for their safety.
As the administration is deployed all around the fair. So that there is no violation of security for the people enjoying the fair. CCTV cameras are used at various places.
Facilities for tourists
If any tourist comes here to roam or see the fair during Basantrai fair, then the administration is present for his security. But if you come here to visit on any other day other than the fair, then there is no danger here. You can feel safe.
There is no proper facility for staying here. There are many shops and hotels for food and drinks. But there is no hotel in the pond complex for staying or lodging at night. Yes, you can stay at the house of local people. You can stay there by paying some amount.
Belief of local people
The local people say that whoever takes bath in this pond, his ringworm, itching, rash and many types of wounds get cured automatically. This belief is told by the local people.
The process of recovery takes a few days. It is said that no matter how old the ringworm, itching or rash is which is not getting cured, that person starts getting cured by taking bath in this Basantrai pond.
Main attractions of Godda district
- Bio Diversity Park Godda
- Yogini Sakti Pith Temple
- Sundar Dam Godda
- Basantrai Pond Mela
Social and cultural impact
Basantrai Mela is seen in one way, then this fair is completely religious and cultural. It is said that this fair is special for the tribals and the people of Hindu class. All the Safa Hords who worship Marang Buru, they all definitely come to this fair.
The worship of all of them starts a week in advance. The main puja starts after entering the pond and having darshan of Surya Dev. People stay in the pond for hours and perform the puja rituals with their own rituals. Many devotees stay together to do this.
Travel and Transportation
Road facility is available to reach Basantrai fair. Which can be about 15 kilometers from Pathargama. You can also go here by private vehicle. If you want to come by rail, then you can come till Godda. After this, you can reach Basantrai fair by using bus or small vehicle.
Conclusion
The overall analysis of Basantrai pond fair was something like this. Which is shown above. If any information is missing apart from this, then please tell us by commenting. We will be happy that you are also helping in providing information which people should know.
If you have not seen Basantrai fair, then it is organized every year on 14th April. You must visit there at least once in your lifetime.
Some questions related to Basantrai Mela
1. When and where is Basantrai Talab Mela held?
Basantrai Mela is held every year on 14th April around the banks of Basantrai Talab.
2. What are the main activities that take place in the fair?
Many activities take place in the fair. Many religious, cultural, spiritual and entertainment events are organized.
3. Is there any entry fee charged for the fair?
No entry fee is charged for Basantrai Mela.
4. What are the main religious and cultural significance of Basantrai Talab Mela?
Many types of diseases are cured by bathing in Basantrai Talab. Such as ringworm, itching, rash etc.