Bhaderwah – On Monday, 7,000 Nag devotees came together to celebrate the traditional Malcha festival, marking the culmination of the six-month-long festive season known locally as ‘Jatlaaz‘. This vibrant festival concluded with the closing of the doors of all Nag temples, with the exception of Nagni Mata.
‘Jatlaaz,’ a significant symbol of Nag culture, commences with the opening of the doors of the 600-year-old ancient Subar-Nag temple during the Baisakhi festival in April. This observance takes place in various villages throughout the Chenab Valley, with each village celebrating on different days each year.
Over 6,500 devotees gathered simultaneously in Karie hamlet of Chinta Valley and Thubba in the middle of the night to celebrate Malcha. They offered traditional prayers to the Subar Nag deity, engaging in unique customs and rituals. Local priests, adorned with ancient ornaments symbolizing Nag Culture, joined the community around a sacred fire and performed the traditional ‘Dekho dance’ until dawn. Subsequently, they embarked on a trek to the hilltop Nag Temple in Thubba for special prayers. The return to Chinta involved a barefoot walk over fire, accompanied by religious chants and hymns.
Ankush Kotwal, a local priest, stated, “Chinta Valley holds immense significance in ancient Nag culture, as it marks the beginning of the season’s first festival with the opening of Subar Nag Temple. Today, with Malcha, we are celebrating the last festival of the season.” He emphasized that Bhaderwah is a land of festivals that spans six months, commencing with Baisakhi.
Esha, a 27-year-old Nag devotee and practicing lawyer, expressed her fondness for the traditional rituals, eagerly awaiting the reopening of the Subar Nag temple doors in April.
Despite the uniqueness and antiquity of the Malchai festival, locals alleged that neither the administration nor the Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA) have made efforts to promote it as a tourist attraction. Santosh Sharma, head priest of Malcha, voiced hope that the authorities would recognize the festival’s potential and include it in their annual calendar.
(Inputs from PTI)
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