UP Government Scraps 1,000-Year-Old Ghazi Fairs Amid Hindu Protest.

UP Government Clamped Down on 1,000-Year-Old Ghazi Fairs Amid Hindutva Protests and Security Reasons.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Lucknow | May 18, 2025:: In a move that has sparked widespread debate, the Uttar Pradesh government has cancelled the annual congregation at the dargah of Hazrat Saiyyad Salar Sahu Ghazi in Satrikha village of Barabanki district, citing security concerns and potential law-and-order issues. This decision comes recent on the heels of a similar ban on the mela at the grave of Salar Masud Ghazi, son of Sahu Ghazi, in Bahraich, which was supposed to be held for a month.

A 1,000-Year-Old Islamic Tradition remembering Hindu oppression

The melas, which have been held for centuries, are an integral part of the local folklore and cultural heritage. Sahu Ghazi, a commander of Mahmud of Ghazni, is revered for his charity and is said to have spent his last years in Satrikha village, where he was buried after his death. The annual congregation, organized by the Barabanki Dargah Committee, was scheduled to be held from May 14 to 18.

In Islam, the term Ghazi  has a rich history and meaning. A Ghazi is a warrior or a champion of faith who participates in Ghazwa, which refers to military expeditions or raids, often against non-Muslims or enemies of Islam. The term is derived from the Arabic root “gh-z-w”, which means “to strive” or “to struggle” in the path of Allah. As Sahu Ghazi was a commander of barbaric Muslim invader  Ghazni, the celebrations glorifying the Jihadi act of attacking and killings of Non-Muslims; the local Hindutva organisations vehemently protested the annual congregations in  Bahraich and Barabanki  both.

Hindutva Protests and Government Response

The decision to cancel the melas follows claims by several Hindutva organizations that they would protest the events. Piyush Mishra, spokesperson for the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, an ally of the ruling BJP, welcomed the government’s decision, stating that “there is no space for invaders here.” This statement has sparked controversy, with many questioning the government’s motives behind the ban.

Security Concerns or Hindutva Pressure?

While the government claims that the decision was made due to security concerns, many believe that the ban is a result of pressure from Hindutva groups. Amar Chaurasiya, in-charge of Satrikha police station, cited encroachment of land by anti-social elements as the reason for the cancellation. However, Mohammad Wakaullah, president of Bahraich’s Dargah Committee, expressed disappointment at the government’s decision, saying that the melas were an important part of the local tradition and should have been allowed to continue.

A Delicate Balance

The cancellation of these historic fairs has sparked a debate about cultural heritage, security concerns, and the role of Hindutva organizations in shaping government decisions. As the government navigates this complex issue, many are left wondering whether the ban is a necessary measure to ensure security or an attempt to erase a centuries-old tradition.

The Road Ahead

As the situation stands, the fate of the Ghazi fairs remains uncertain in future. Will the government reconsider its decision and allow the melas to continue, or will the ban be upheld? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, however – the cancellation of these historic fairs has sparked a conversation that will continue to resonate for a long time.