Punjab's Greatest Spiritual Gathering
Every year on 28 and 29 August, the small city of Nakodar in Jalandhar District transforms into one of the most extraordinary spectacles of devotion and community that Punjab has to offer. The Annual Mela at Dera Baba Murad Shah Ji draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across India and from the Punjabi diaspora worldwide. It is not merely a religious festival — it is a celebration of love, of humanity, of the faith that unites all hearts.
Why the Annual Mela is Unlike Any Other
What distinguishes the Nakodar Mela from other religious gatherings is its spirit of complete inclusivity. There are no entry tickets, no VIP enclosures, no barriers of caste, religion, or economic status. The gates are open to all. The langar — the free community kitchen — runs 24 hours a day throughout the mela, feeding every single person who comes, with no questions asked and no donations expected in return.
"Here, the poor and the wealthy eat from the same langar. That is the teaching of Laadi Sai Ji." — A longtime devotee
Mela 2025 — Dates and Schedule
The mela for 2025 falls on 28 August (Thursday) and 29 August (Friday). The gathering begins building from the afternoon of 28 August and reaches its peak on the night of 29 August.
- Night 1 (28 August): Opening ceremony at the Darbaar, Qawwali mehfil by Karamat Ali & Party from Malerkotla, special prayers and ardaas.
- Night 2 (29 August): Grand Qawwali night followed by the most anticipated event — the live performance by Gurdas Maan. Closing prayers and prasad distribution at dawn.
Gurdas Maan — A Tradition of Devotion
The name Gurdas Maan is synonymous with the Nakodar Mela. For decades, the world-renowned Punjabi singer has performed here — not as a paid artist but as a devoted bhakt (devotee). His connection with Laadi Sai Ji is personal and deeply spiritual, and his presence on the stage of the mela is one of the most emotional moments in Punjabi cultural life. Thousands travel from abroad specifically for this performance.
Karamat Ali & Party — The Voice of the Night
The Qawwali nights at Nakodar Mela are anchored by Karamat Ali & Party from Malerkotla — one of the finest Qawwali ensembles in Punjab. Their performances on the first night set the spiritual tone for the entire mela, with classical Qawwali pieces that have been performed for generations filling the night air until dawn.
Practical Information for Visitors
If you are planning to attend the 2025 mela, here is what you need to know:
- Where: Dera Baba Murad Shah Ji, Amardas Colony, Nakodar, Jalandhar District, Punjab — 144040
- Entry: Completely free for all. No registration required.
- Accommodation: Dharamshalas near the darbaar, hotels in Nakodar and Jalandhar (20 km). Book early — rooms fill up weeks in advance.
- Parking: Ample parking is arranged. Arrive early to get closer spots.
- What to carry: Comfortable clothes, a shawl/dupatta for the darbaar, small cash for offerings if you wish. No alcohol permitted on premises.
How to Reach Nakodar
Nakodar is well-connected by road. The closest major city is Jalandhar (20 km). From Delhi, take NH-44 — it is approximately 410 km and 6 hours by road. By rail, Nakodar Junction is served by trains from Ludhiana and Ferozepur. See our detailed How to Reach guide for all travel options.