When Om Prakash Sharma, chairperson of the Shri Daauji Temple Management Committee raised the ceremonial flag at 12:00 PM on 29 August 2025, the Baldev Chhath Mela officially began at the historic Shri Daauji Temple in Jevar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The nine‑day fair, now in its 164th edition, will run until 6 September, celebrating the birth anniversary of Baldev, the elder brother of Lord Krishna, with a blend of devotion, sport and regional culture.

Historical Roots and Religious Significance

The Baldev Chhath Mela traces its origins back to 1862, when local devotees first gathered to honour the deity’s birthday. Over the decades, the fair has grown from a modest prayer gathering to a sprawling cultural showcase, drawing pilgrims from across northern India. The Shri Daauji Temple—an architectural gem dating to the early 19th century—has been the steadfast host, reinforcing Jevar’s identity as a spiritual hub within the Gautam Buddha Nagar district.

Day‑by‑Day Programme and Prize Money

Organisers have rolled out a jam‑packed schedule that blends traditional worship with competitive sport. Highlights include:

• 29 August – Women’s kabaddi tournament (winner ₹51,000, runner‑up ₹31,000). A sudden downpour limited the event to two showcase matches.
• 30 August‑1 September – Ragnī performances featuring folk dance troupes from Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states.
• 31 August – Men’s kabaddi showdown (winner ₹101,000, runner‑up ₹71,000).
• 4 September – Wrestling dangal, with the final champion pocketing ₹51,000.
• 5 September – Grand wrestling finale awarding the champion ₹101,000.
• Every evening – Khatushyam Kirtan within the Kali Charan Satsang Bhawan.
• Night of 29 August – Light festival (Prakash Mahotsav) that bathed the temple complex in a cascade of illumination.

"We wanted this year’s fair to be both a tribute to our heritage and a platform for local talent," Sharma said. "The prize money reflects our commitment to encouraging sport while keeping the spiritual core intact."

Community Response and Operational Preparations

Residents of Jevar and surrounding neighborhoods reported a bustling atmosphere as stalls, food courts and temporary lodging sprang up around the temple grounds. Security teams, coordinated by the local police department, have set up checkpoints to manage the expected influx of roughly 30,000 visitors daily. Meanwhile, volunteers from the management committee oversee sanitation, crowd control and the seamless transition between the day’s religious rites and the evening cultural acts.

Local businesses are already feeling the ripple. A leading snack vendor, Madhur Sweets, expects a 45 % sales boost, while nearby hotels have booked out their premium rooms for the duration of the fair.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Beyond the spiritual allure, the Baldev Chhath Mela serves as a catalyst for the regional economy. An independent survey by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Board estimates that the nine‑day event generates approximately ₹12 crore in direct revenue for Jevar’s vendors and service providers. Moreover, the fair reinforces cultural continuity by showcasing folk arts that might otherwise struggle to find a stage in today’s digital age.

"Events like this keep our traditions alive in a rapidly modernising world," noted Dr. Anjali Verma, a cultural historian at Aligarh Muslim University. "They also create a sense of shared identity that transcends caste and class, especially when the community comes together to celebrate a common deity."

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Mela?

Organisers have already hinted at enhancements for the 2026 edition, including a digital ticketing system and a dedicated “Heritage Walk” that will guide visitors through Jevar’s lesser‑known temples. There’s also talk of inviting a classical music maestro for a special evening concert, a move that could widen the fair’s appeal to urban youth.

For now, the focus remains on delivering a safe, vibrant and spiritually resonant experience. As the final day approaches, Sharma reinforces the message: "Our goal is simple – to let every pilgrim leave with a heart full of devotion and a smile on their face."