HT Correspondent
JAGIROAD, Jan 6: The traditional Jonbeel Mela, known for its centuries-old barter system, will be held from January 22 to 24 at Jonbeel Pathar near Jagiroad.
The mela will begin on January 22 with an auspicious puja at the Deosal Mandir.
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On the second day, the highlight of the festival—the traditional barter system between hill and plains communities—will take place in the morning.
People from the plains will exchange items such as sandah (fried rice powder), pitha, laddu and raw fish with hill produce including ginger, spinach, garlic, la and dhuna, preserving an age-old practice of mutual exchange.
A mass fishing festival will also be organised at Jonbeel on the same day, open to all irrespective of caste, religion or community.
On January 24, the mela will be attended by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with several ministers and MLAs.
This year, around 60 villages from Karbi Anglong and 20 villages from Meghalaya are expected to participate in the mela, particularly in the barter exchange.
During the Rajdarbar at the fairground, the chief minister will present Rajbhattas to 22 Tiwa kings of central Assam, continuing a traditional ceremonial practice.
The festival will conclude with a mass fishing event at the Gobha Raja’s Aram Beel and the symbolic collection of taxes by royal officials at the fairground.
Organising committee secretary Jursingh Bordoloi said a mass tribute to Assam’s heartthrob Zubeen Garg will also be organised during the mela.
He appealed to people from all sections to extend cooperation to ensure the successful conduct of the traditional fair.
