2. Numais (Exhibition):
Purpose:
The Numais at
Dewa Sharif is a large-scale exhibition that showcases a range of traditional and
contemporary products. It reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region, offering visitors an
opportunity to experience local arts and crafts.
Stalls and Displays:
The exhibition features numerous stalls set up by artisans, traders, and local businesses. Products include
traditional handicrafts, pottery, embroidered textiles, carpets, brassware, and other handcrafted items that
represent the cultural diversity of Uttar Pradesh.
Alongside these, visitors can find modern goods, such as clothing, household items, and electronics, making
the Numais an interesting blend of tradition and modernity.
Local and Regional Crafts:
The Numais is especially known for promoting local craftsmanship. Artisans from nearby regions bring their
handmade products, offering a platform to showcase their skills and earn a livelihood.
This focus on regional crafts helps in preserving traditional arts like terracotta pottery, wooden carvings,
and handloom textiles.
3. Entertainment and Activities:
Amusement Rides and Games:
The Mela Ground hosts a variety of amusement rides, like Ferris wheels (jhulas), merry-go-rounds, and other
attractions that create a festive atmosphere. These rides are especially popular among children and families,
adding to the lively spirit of the event.
Traditional games and activities like shooting balloons, ring toss, and other fair games are also a highlight,
adding a nostalgic charm to the Numais.
Cultural Performances:
The Mela Ground becomes a stage for cultural performances, including folk dances, music, and drama that reflect
the heritage of the region. These performances often draw large crowds, offering an enriching cultural
experience.
Local artists, musicians, and dance troupes present their art, celebrating the vibrant traditions of the region
and spreading the message of Sufi teachings through music and poetry.
4. Community and Social Interaction:
Meeting Point for Visitors:
The Mela Ground provides a space where people from various backgrounds come together, fostering a sense of
community and togetherness. It is a place where stories, traditions, and ideas are exchanged, strengthening
social ties.
Social Service Activities: Various community organizations and social groups set up booths during the Numais,
offering services like free health check-ups, educational awareness, and charity drives. This focus on social
welfare aligns with the Sufi values of service to humanity.
5. Spiritual and Cultural Convergence:
Blend of Spirituality and Festivity:
The Mela Ground, while being a place of celebration, also holds a spiritual significance due to its proximity to
the
Dewa Sharif shrine. Many visitors come to the ground after visiting the Mazar, making it a
continuation of their spiritual journey.
Inclusivity: The diverse range of activities at the Mela Ground attracts people from different religious,
social, and economic backgrounds, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Dewa Mela. It embodies the teachings of
Hazrat Haji Waris Ali Shah, which emphasize unity and compassion.
The Mela Ground and the Numais at
Dewa Sharif are key components of the annual celebration, blending
spiritual devotion with cultural richness. It serves as a vibrant space where the local community’s heritage is
celebrated, offering visitors an immersive experience of the traditions, crafts, and values that define the
spirit of
Dewa Sharif .
