The vibrant festivities of the Sawan Fair at Panjpeer Dargah, which took place last month, left behind an unwelcome sight: tonnes of garbage scattered across the shrine grounds. In response to the mounting waste, the ‘Apna Abohar Apni Abha’ team, spearheaded by local legislator Sandeep Jakhar, took action on Saturday to tackle the cleanup.
The Panjpeer shrine, nestled in Abohar, is a revered dargah dedicated to the Five Peers, figures steeped in both legend and history. The shrine, attracting visitors from various faiths, is not only a spiritual haven but also a site of historical intrigue. Local lore recounts the dramatic tale of King Hari Chand of the ancient city of Abunagar, who was afflicted with leprosy in the 12th century. Desperate for a cure, the king’s daughter ventured to Multan to acquire the holy blood of the Panjpeers’ horses, which was believed to hold miraculous healing properties. Unfortunately, the king passed away before her return, and the Panjpeers’ demand for their horses was met with refusal, leading to a divine retribution that devastated the region. In their wrath, the Panjpeers are said to have destroyed Abunagar, leaving behind only the five tombs that now draw crowds each Thursday and during the annual fair in late July.
The Sawan Fair, organized by the descendants of Bool Chand Sama—who migrated from Pakpattan after the formation of Pakistan and took on the role of caretaker—draws significant numbers of devotees. However, the recent event saw a substantial buildup of waste, prompting the ‘Apna Abohar Apni Abha’ team to step in. Over the past month, the team has organized more than 125 cleanup camps throughout local areas, focusing their efforts on the grounds where the fair was held.
In light of the cleanup initiative, MLA Jakhar has called for stricter environmental practices at future fairs. He suggested that the managing committee of the fair should enforce the use of non-disposable crockery to mitigate environmental damage and prevent sewage blockages. Additionally, Jakhar emphasized the need for vendors to ensure the grounds are cleaned thoroughly post-event to avoid similar issues in the future.
The efforts by the ‘Apna Abohar Apni Abha’ team reflect a growing commitment to maintaining both the spiritual and environmental sanctity of the Panjpeer Dargah. As the community rallies to restore the shrine’s surroundings, it stands as a reminder of the balance between celebration and conservation.
