SUKKUR: The annual Ramapir Mela, one of Sindh’s most vibrant interfaith gatherings, was celebrated with traditional fervour at Janullah Shah Mari in Sukkur Division on the first day of the Bhadav month of the Sindhi/Hindu calendar.
Devotees from across Sindh and northern parts of the country flocked to the festival to pay homage to Ramapir — also known as Ramdev Pir — a 14th-century saint revered for his teachings of love, equality, and service to humanity.
According to Shivdari Teerath Mal-Naroo Mal, temple and mela in-charge, the local observance was initiated more than a century ago by his great-grandfather Shri Naibhoo Mal in the late 19th century. Since then, the mela has continued uninterrupted, standing as a symbol of unity between Hindus and Muslims of the region.
The festivities began with an all-night Satsang where devotees sang bhajans, offered prayers, and partook in langar (community meals). Oil lamps were lit in memory of the saint, and rituals were performed in gratitude. Local Muslim residents also joined the congregation, reflecting the inclusive spirit that has long defined Sindh’s social fabric.
This year’s celebration carried added significance with the presence of the renowned keynote speaker, Advocate Akash Kumar Meghwar of Sukkur, who delivered a Gita Giyan discourse focusing on spiritual values and social harmony. The devotional segment was enriched by the performances of Bhagats, including Dilip Kumar (Sanghar), Nadeem Marwari (Khairpur), Shahan (Khairpur), Gopal Das (Daharki), Dr. Akshi Kumar Mari, Rana Sadh (Nihal Goth), and Gurmukh Das (Roshanabad).
The ceremony was further dignified by the presence of distinguished guests of honour for award distribution: Shivdari Teerath Mal Naroo Mal, Dr. Gurdas Parhiar (Chairman, Minority Council and Member, District Council Sukkur), Mukhi Daulat Mal (Khairpur), Mukhi Mohan Lal (Saleh Pat), Mukhi Hargan Das (Ubauro), Advocate Akash Kumar (Sukkur), and Taluka Mukhi Basant Ram (Khangarh).
Adding to the spiritual vibrance, Shiva Mandalis from Shri Baba Ramdev Mari, Shri Baba Ramdev Noun Goth Khandhra, Sain Baba Daharki, and Hari Krishna Khairpur also participated, filling the atmosphere with devotional fervour.
Legacy of Ramapir
Born in 1352 AD in Rajasthan, Ramapir was the son of Raja Ajmal of Pokhran. Renouncing royal privileges, he dedicated his life to serving the poor and the marginalised, championing equality across caste lines. His close ties with Muslim Sufi saints of the time earned him reverence across religious boundaries.
Remembered for his miracles — including bringing water during droughts and healing the sick — Ramapir’s philosophy rested on four guiding principles: love and brotherhood, equality, interfaith harmony, and service to humanity. He passed away in 1385 AD, and his main shrine at Ramdevra in Rajasthan continues to attract thousands of pilgrims annually.
Sindh’s Devotion
In Sindh, devotion to Ramapir runs deep. Large congregations are held every year in Tando Allahyar, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Badin, and other towns, while the Janullah Shah Mari mela remains a key highlight — not just as a religious occasion but also as a cultural emblem of coexistence.
“This mela is not just a gathering of devotees, but a reflection of Sindh’s centuries-old tradition of tolerance and harmony,” said one participant.
Message for Today
At a time of growing global divides, speakers at the mela emphasised the renewed relevance of Ramapir’s message. His philosophy, they said, offered a timeless roadmap for societies fractured along lines of caste, class, or faith.
As the night drew to a close with devotional hymns and prayers, participants described the mela as nothing short of a celebration of Sindh itself — one where the lamps of faith and unity continue to burn brightly.
