Gotmar Mela at Pandhurna is annually observed in Bhadrapad
month. The mela is organized at Pandhurna in Chhindwara District in Madhya
Pradesh. Gotmar Mela 2025 date is August 24. It is dedicated to Goddess
Durga.
Gotmar Mela is organized on the banks of Jam River and the
villagers of Savargaon and Pandhurna participate in the ritual. For the mela a long
tree is erected in the middle of the river with a flag atop it. Savargaon and Pandhurna
villagers gather on either bank of the river. Each group attempts to stop the
other from getting to the flag by throwing stones or got.
The village, whose resident happens to remove the flag, is
victorious. They carry the flag to the Chandika Mata Temple.
The whole ritual happens amidst the chanting of Maa Durga.
If by evening there is no winner, then the flag is carried
by both the villagers to the Chandika Mata Temple.
The mela was banned couple of times as several people get
injured during the pelting of stones.
Gotmar Mela is annually observed on Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha pratipada tithi
or the first day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Bhadra month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar
followed in Madhya Pradesh.