India’s first world heritage city, Ahmedabad, has around 184 pols or old hosing colonies crammed in and around the old walled city. Most prominent of these Pols, especially during Navratri, is Sadu Mata ni Pol in Shahpur area of the old city.
On the eighth day of Navratri, the men living in this colony dress as women and do the Garba to atone for a 200-year-old curse. Locals also believe that the unique tradition is followed by those men who have prayed to the devi and dance the garba in a woman’s garb on fruition of their wishes.
On Ashthami, huge crowds from across the city are drawn to this pol, which is home to over 1,000 residents, and pay their homage to the local deity Sadu Mata.
The Legend of Sadu Mata
According to legend, in 18th century Amdavad during Mughal rule a nobleman who lived in the city heard about a fair maiden named Saduben and was encouraged by his council men to take her as his concubine.
According to Sureshbhai Barod, a resident of Sadu Mata ni Pol, the nobleman came to this colony where Saduben resided and demanded entrance.
“This colony is dominated by the Barod community. On that particular day, the men in Saduben’s family were out for business. When the Mughal nobleman demanded that the door be opened, Saduben refused. This enraged him and he brought is militia to breach the colony,” he said.
She Cursed the Cowards
Unfortunately for Saduben, the men from the Barod community chose to remain in the safety of their homes instead of fighting for her honour. In no time the invading forces cut their way through and reach Saduben’s home.
“They killed her little child and moved in to take her away. An enraged Saduben, cursed the men from the Pol declaring that their progeny will not see the light of day and committed sati. To appease an enraged Sadu Maa, us men from the colony wear a saree and do the Garba on the night of Ashthami. This tradition has been followed for more than 200 years now.”Sureshbhai Barod, resident, Sadu Mata ni Pol
However, many men keep the tradition not only to atone for the curse but also to thank the devi for fulfilling their wishes. Chandrakant Nayak’s wife helped him wear her saree while he spoke to The Quint about the blessings he received from Mata.
“I have been wearing a saree for the last five years, I had wished for fortune in business and even for a son, and mata has been kind to me. This is a 200-year-old tradition and residents from all castes follow this tradition on the night of Ashtami. At least 12-15 households participate each year.”
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