UP's Sambhal shuns centuries-old Neja Mela: 'Can't honour person who looted temples'

The centuries-old Neja Mela, a religious gathering traditionally held in Sambhal, will not take place this year after local authorities denied permission, citing public objections and security concerns. The event, organized annually on the second Tuesday after Holi, is dedicated to Syed Salar Masood, a medieval-era figure who, according to historical records, played a role in invasions and plundering, including the looting of Somnath Temple.

The Neja Mela Committee had sought clearance from the administration, but the request was firmly rejected. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra said that no festival glorifying an invader would be allowed. “India cannot host events in memory of those responsible for destruction and forced conversions. The event is against the sentiments of many, and public safety is our priority,” he said.

ASP Chandra emphasized that allowing the fair in Masood’s name would be inappropriate, given his role in India's medieval invasions. “A person responsible for looting temples and oppressing people cannot be honored with a festival, even if the tradition has been around for centuries,” he stated.

The officer also pointed out that a section of the local Hindu community had raised strong objections to the mela, arguing that celebrating a historical figure linked to destruction is unacceptable. In light of these concerns, authorities decided to deny permission for the event.

“If any attempt is made to raise the Neja flag, it will be considered an act against national interest,” ASP Chandra warned.

Previous attempts to modify the event

In 2023, an administrative decision was taken to rename the event as "Sadbhavna Mela" to maintain social harmony. The change was aimed at preserving the gathering’s religious essence while avoiding its controversial historical associations.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Dr. Vandana Mishra, who had earlier denied permission, reiterated that the event cannot take place in its original form. Despite previous agreements to alter its name, the Neja Mela Committee insisted on holding it under its traditional title, leading to the outright rejection of their request.

The decision has sparked resistance from Neja Mela organizers, who argue that the festival is primarily a religious event and not a celebration of invasion.

“We have been organizing this mela for generations. It is an integral part of our faith, and we will fight to ensure it continues. We will meet higher authorities and even approach the court if necessary,” said Shahid Hussain Masudi, president of the Neja Mela Committee.

Why Is Neja Mela held?

The Neja Mela is rooted in local tradition and is observed by a section of the Muslim community to pay homage to Syed Salar Masood, also known as Ghazi Miyan. According to folklore, Masood was a warrior-saint who fought battles and became a revered figure over time. Devotees raise the Neja (a ceremonial flag) and offer Fatihah (prayers for the deceased) at his shrine as a mark of respect.

However, historical records paint a different picture. Masood was a military commander and nephew of Mahmud of Ghazni, who attacked India 17 times between 1000 and 1027 AD, looting temples and forcibly converting people to Islam. Masood himself led expeditions across northern India, leaving a trail of destruction until he was defeated by Raja Suheldev of Shravasti.

How Syed Salar Masood galvanizes UP politics?

Masood, or Ghazi Miyan, remains a polarizing figure in Uttar Pradesh’s history as well in politics. His tomb in Bahraich continues to be a site of pilgrimage, but his legacy is also a subject of intense debate.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has often referenced Masood in his speeches, contrasting him with figures like Raja Suheldev, whom he portrays as a Hindu warrior who resisted foreign invaders. During a 2021 rally in Bahraich, Adityanath accused opposition leaders of being “followers of Ghazi” and criticized the glorification of figures linked to India’s historical invasions.

Historians note that Masood’s military campaigns targeted Hindu communities, forcibly converted people, and led to large-scale destruction of temples, including Suraj Kund in Bahraich. His expansion was finally halted by Raja Suheldev, who led a coalition to defeat Masood’s forces in battle.

Suheldev was a legendary king from Shravasti town. He defeated and killed Salar Masood at Bahraich in UP in 1034. Masoor was buried in Bahraich, and later a dargah was built.

However, Raja Suheldev was killed by Syed Ibrahim, a commander of Salar Masood. Suheldev is an icon in Dalit politics in UP and his name is invoked by political leaders to galvanize dalits.