Barabanki's Dewa Mela Celebrates Sufi Traditions with Concerts and Contests

As of October 4th, 2025, the city of Barabanki is in the midst of preparations for the annual Dewa Mela, a vibrant celebration at the shrine of Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah. The festival, which is set to take place from October 8th to October 17th, is expected to attract over 6 lakh visitors this year, a significant increase from the 5.3 lakh visitors it drew in 2024.

The Dewa Mela is set to evolve this year, with the introduction of several new events and attractions. In addition to the traditional cultural and religious events, the festival will now feature a cricket competition, a bodybuilding show, and a women's fashion show, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Renowned singers and performers, including Jyoti Nooran, Kishore Chaturvedi, Salman Ali, and comedian Rajan Srivastava, will take the stage to entertain the crowds.

To ensure a memorable experience for the visitors, the organizers have put in place a robust security plan, with a five-layered system involving over 2,000 police personnel, surveillance through CCTV cameras and drones, and a dedicated control room. Additionally, the event will feature comprehensive health and sanitation facilities, including round-the-clock medical teams and ambulances, as well as arrangements for drinking water, parking, and fire safety.