Nestled within the precincts of Ludhiana, Punjab, India, the annual extravaganza known as Chhapar Mela unfolds in September each year. This festivity, a homage to Gugga, epitomizes one of the most revered and splendid gatherings in the Malwa region of Punjab. Lasting three days, this commemorative fair pays homage to the legendary descent of Gugga Veer, a revered figure of the Chauhan Rajput lineage, into the sanctity of Mother Earth, accompanied by his faithful equine companion.

Legend has it that Gugga Veer possessed unparalleled dominion over serpentine beings. The jubilation transpires at Gugge di Marhi, a sacred edifice erected in his honor, renowned for its purported efficacy in treating snakebite victims. Earth is ceremoniously excavated seven times, beseeching Gugga Veer's divine intervention for safeguarding against serpentine perils. Echoes of folk melodies resound amidst traditional dance performances. Anant Chaturdashi, occurring on the 14th day of the lunar month of Bhadon, marks the auspicious occasion when devotees converge to venerate the serpent aspect of Gugga. This reverent gathering aligns with the Hindu lunar calendar, specifically during the luminous phase of Bhadrapad.

Dating back approximately 150 years, the genesis of Chhapar Fair is attributed to a modest assembly of devout adherents. Over time, its allure has swelled, drawing multitudes numbering in the millions. Adjacent to this grandiose affair lies the Minor Chhapar Mela, preserving the ritualistic custom of earth excavation, a symbolic gesture invoking Gugga Veer's protective mantle against serpentine adversities. Music, revelry, and dance animate the festivities, elevating the fair to a crescendo of jubilation.

The fabled narrative recounts the poignant tale of a boy and his serpentine companion, both hailing from an agrarian milieu in Chhapar village. Intimately bonded, their destinies intertwined, wherein the agony of one reverberated in the lament of the other. Tragedy befell when a passerby, misconstruing the serpent's protective gesture, inflicted fatal harm upon it, precipitating the demise of the lad.

Enshrouded in grief, the bereaved family sought solace through propitiatory rites venerating Gugga and Siddha. A fateful he-goat, set free to mark the sacred precinct, heralded the genesis of Mari Gugga, an enduring sanctuary where devotees converge annually on the appointed fortnight of Bhadon. The agrarian denizens of Malwa region synchronize their agricultural pursuits with the rhythms of the mela, attesting to its cultural resonance and societal significance.

Legend further embellishes the lore with tales of the Minor Chhapar Mela, purportedly banned by a reigning monarch in the early 20th century amidst grievances from local farmers. Curiously, misfortune befell the ruler's equine retinue until he relented, reinstating the mela in its reduced form. Another anecdote recounts the whimsical curse cast by a wandering ascetic, foreseeing a cycle of bustling encampments followed by desolate lulls, as penance for a trivial jest by a local resident.