After 5 Years, Khatushyam Mela Sees Major Change; Police Clamp Down on Suspects

Sikar, Rajasthan: The annual Lakhi Mela at Khatushyam Temple is set to begin on February 21, but ahead of the festival, Sikar police have gone into “zero tolerance” mode to ensure law and order during the eight-day event. Late-night raids on hotels and dharamshalas have sent a strong message to potential troublemakers, signaling tighter security than ever before.

Police Step Up Security:
Ahead of the mela, police and the District Security Taskforce (DST) conducted targeted inspections across the town, detaining 11 suspects and confiscating 7 abandoned motorcycles. Station Officer Pawan Chaubey warned, “Not even a bird will fly in the mela without proper identification.” Devotees are advised to carry their Aadhaar cards, as failure to comply may lead to repeated trips to the police station instead of smooth accommodation arrangements.

Major Change After Five Years:
This year’s mela will be shortened from 11 days to 8 days (February 21–28), marking a significant change after five years. The decision, taken in a meeting chaired by District Collector Mukul Sharma, was aimed at better crowd management and security. The administration has approved five key measures to ease long waiting lines and ensure devotees can have a smooth darshan.

Significance of the Mela:
The mela attracts thousands of devotees who undertake a 17 km pilgrimage from Ringas to Khatu, carrying the sacred “nishan” (flag) in devotion. The festival coincides with Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi, commemorating the day Veer Barbarik offered his head to Lord Krishna. The divine decorations of Baba’s shrine and the holy dip in Shyam Kund make the festival an extraordinary spiritual experience.