Hossain Seraj, Magura
Boriar Mela’, one of the oldest continuing traditions of Magura district, ended here yesterday amidst much fanfare.
The ‘mela’ (fair) has been a part of local culture for the last 153 years. As per tradition, the ‘mela’ began on Poush 28 (in Bengali calendar) at Bororia village under Mohammadpur upazila, located about 30 km from the district headquarters.
Among the attractions at the ‘mela’ are ‘lathikhela’, horse race, ‘jhapan-khela’ (playing with venomous snakes), ‘ha-do-do’ and ‘jatra-pala’ that attract a large number of people every year.
“This event is one of the major festivals of Magura. But its not confined to just Magura any more. Over time it has turned into an ideal platform for sale and display of products from different parts of the country, as far as Chittagong,” said Yunus Ali Sarder, a college teacher from Dhoayeel village.
“It has also become a major source of recreation for people of all ages,” added Yunus.
The visitors were drawn by a variety of goods — wooden furniture, toys, cooking utensils, handicrafts, sari and lungi made by local weavers and much more.
Attractions for children included stalls offering mouthwatering sweets like ‘rosh malai’, ‘pera-sandesh’, ‘khirer sandesh’ and ‘Khamarpara doi’, and several rides like the merry-go-round.
Horse race, ‘lathikhela’, ‘jatra-pala’, ‘putul naach’ (puppet show) and various kinds of games like ‘ha-do-do’, ‘kusti’ (wrestling), ‘jhapan-khela’ (perform by snake charmers) lured in the adults.
Abdul Hakim, a 62-year-old vendor from Chittagong, selling toys and ornaments made of seashells said, “I’ve been selling goods at this fair for the last 30 years. Apart from trade, this fair also gives me the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.”
Courtesy: thedailystar.net
