The historic Gudgudwan Mela held in Danda block of Garhwa district was organised once again on 4 March this year. The mela is not merely a cultural gathering but a symbol of resistance, dignity and the revolutionary traditions of the people.
The historic struggle to free and preserve this mela was not easy. During the struggle, leaders and activists of the CPI(ML) faced false cases, arrests and repression. Dozens of party members were detained in police stations and attacks were carried out by upper caste feudal forces determined to maintain their control over the fair.
For many years the mela had remained under feudal dominance. Shopkeepers were forced to pay illegal levies and extortion was routine. Under the leadership of CPI(ML) Liberation and with the support of justice loving citizens, a sustained struggle was waged against this feudal control and illegal collection.
As a result of this struggle the mela was freed from feudal domination. Today no illegal tax or forced collection is imposed on the shopkeepers participating in the fair, and the mela is conducted in a democratic and people-oriented manner.
