An unconventional but very popular festival of Bangladesh is Jamai-Mela. Jamai Mela means son-in-law fair in English which is Uundoubtedly an interesting name. You will be surprised to know that this unconventional though fair is almost 400 years old and is held every year on the banks of Ichamati River in Bogura. In the fair there is a huge collection of big and attractive fish, all household items, circus, Ferris wheel, Local Opera, palagan ( Local Folk song) etc. for entertainment.
Locals said that the cremation fair is for sons-in-law. On the occasion of the fair, the sons-in-law come to visit the in-laws. Their hands are paid by their in-laws. After that, they have to participate in the ‘competition’ of buying large size fish from the burnt fair. They have to compete a lot to buy fish. After the son-in-law bought fish from this fair, the son-in-law is entertained with that fish.
But over all these things, this two-day fair became a meeting place for millions of people from all over the country.
History of Jamai Mela
The exact date of the start of the fair is not known. However, it is known from several sources that about four hundred years ago, a large cuttlefish fish floated with a golden sieve on its back every year on the last Wednesday of Magh in the Mara Bangali (or Mahishaban river) near Poradah. A large number of people used to gather to witness this miracle on the last Wednesday of Magh. Later, a local monk became a dreamer and encouraged everyone to make offerings to the miraculous fish. Responding to the monk’s call, local people started making offerings for the miraculous fish on the last Wednesday of Magh at Poradah Battala. In course of time it got the name Sannyasi Puja. On the occasion of the puja, the crowds increased and the fair became famous for buying and selling large fish.
But judging from the scientific point of view, it is seen that the site of Poradah Mela is a floodplain and geographically it is located in the estuary region of rivers, canals and Lakes. Very close from here are Katlahar Lake and Dhilegara Lake under Ranipara Mauza, Poradah Canal and Mara Bengali (Mahishaban) River. Hence it is easily conceivable that it was very well connected with the Jamuna in the past. During the monsoon season, there is a high probability that a lot of fish coming from different rivers will stay here. As the water here dries up at the end of the monsoon due to climatic changes, the circular scales of a large cuttlefish that remain here can look like a golden sieve. Because the scales of the native large cuttlefish are quite golden in color, they may appear more attractive to a meditating monk in the sunlight when swimming in shallow water than a sieve of gold.
The naming of the fair
Initially called the Sannyasi Mela was called by name. But because of organizing a fair at a place called Poradah ,The name of the cremation place started spreading among the people. Once the name Poradah Mela became permanent. In addition to the name Poradah Mela, local people call this Mela as Jamai Mela or Fish Mela.
Things to explore at the fair?
Fish: It will not be wrong to say that fish is the main attraction of this fair. Many types of fresh water fish are available here. Rui fish, Katla fish, Mrigel fish, Silver carp, Boal, Chital, Hilsa, Ai are among them. These fish are caught from rivers or farmed in ponds. Their weight starts from 3 kg to 40-50 kg. Other than this some of sea-fish are also available in this fair.
Sweets: Many of you may be unfamiliar with the sweets of the subcontinent. Usually, milk chickpeas are fried in ghee and dipped in sugar syrup to prepare this delicacy. Generally it is round and weighs 40-50 grams. But on the occasion of the fair huge and strange shaped sweets are made. Some are shaped like pillows, some are shaped like fish, some are shaped like different animals. They vary in weight, ranging from 40-50 grams to 10-15 kg..
Furniture: Various designs of furniture made of wood, steel and iron are available at very affordable prices.
Cosmetics and Giftware: The fair premises are filled with various cosmetics, toys, giftware shops. Children and women flock to buy toys and cosmetics from these shops.
Food: A number of local food are available like Fuchka-Chotpoti is most famous, besides puri, singara, biriyani, khichuri, pickles and ice cream shops are established.
Entertainment Arrangements: The space allotted for entertainment in the fair is always the center of attraction. For the entertainment of the young and old, the fair features floats, mini trains, horse carriages, magic, circus, motorcycle rides, yatrapalas and various cultural events. Apart from this, everyday items such as different types of vegetables (raw market), meat,
Daily household items including spices are available to buy.
How to visit the Jamai Mela
Dhaka to Bogra by Bus:
If you want to go to this traditional fair, go to Bogra by bus from Dhaka for four and a half to five hours.After reaching to Bogra main town go to Golabari by bus or autorickshaw . After that get another autorickshaw or rickshaw to visit Poradoho Jamai Mela.
Dhaka to Bogra by Train:
From Dhaka to Lalmoni and Rangpur Express trains travel through Bogra so you can go to Bogra by riding these trains. Dhaka to Rangpur Express train departs daily at 9:10 AM and Lalmoni Express departs at 9:45 PM. Rangpur and Lalmoni Express trains are closed on Mondays and Fridays respectively.
Where to Stay:
There are a lot of residential hotel in Bogra such as Momo Inn, Tourism Motel, Naz Garden, Northway Motel, Safeway Motel, Motel Castle MH, Century Motel, Hotel Sista, Hotel Akbaria, Redchilis Chinese Restaurant and Residential Hotel. Among the standard hotels are Hotel Al Amin, Hotel Royal Palace, Hotel Sun View, Hotel Rajmoney, Hotel Honey Day, Hotel Aziz etc.
Following this well-known Jamai Mela of Bogra, more fairs are held in different places of Bangladesh, among which Binirirail Mela of Gazipur, Jamalpur, Tangail, Sylhet fairs are among them.
If you’re expecting an adrenaline rush at this extravagant fair, you might be disappointed. Rather, if you are hoping to see a rural fair where people are laughing and happy, local opera, variety of local food, huge fish, sweets, you will definitely enjoy this fair.
