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mela

American  
[mey-lah] / ˈmeɪ lɑ /

noun

  1. a religious fair, especially one held in connection with a festival.

  2. a throng of people.


mela British  
/ ˈmiːlə, ˈmɛlə /

noun

  1. an Asian cultural or religious fair or festival

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of mela

1790–1800; < Hindi < Sanskrit melā assembly, company

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Since the incident, authorities have stepped up security measures in the festival and have also banned vehicles from entering the mela grounds until 4 February.

From BBC Jan. 31, 2025

The Kumbh mela is organised in all the four cities, but the biggest festivals are always held in Prayagraj.

From BBC Jan. 13, 2025

However, infections are being reported from the mela ground even before the start of the event.

From BBC Jan. 13, 2022

Thus we're offered exemplary docs on Iraq, 10 years on, or eco-friendly homes, on oil in Ireland, or the special mela that takes place in India every 12 years.

From The Guardian Mar. 16, 2013

Unfortunately the mela is languishing for want of sufficient public support.

From The Hindoos as they Are A Description of the Manners, Customs and the Inner Life of Hindoo Society in Bengal by Bose, Shib Chunder

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