HT Correspondent
JAGIROAD, Jan 21: The traditional Jonbeel Mela will be held from January 22 to 24 at Jonbeel Pathar in Jagiroad. Organisers have begun preparations for the annual fair, renowned as one of the world’s rarest exchange customs. This year, the mela will also include a collective tribute to Zubeen Garg, celebrated as a cultural icon of Assam.
The mela will commence with an auspicious puja at Deosal Shiv Mandir. Around 60 villages from Karbi Anglong and 20 villages from Meghalaya are expected to participate this year.
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On the second day, the fair will feature the unique traditional barter system. People from the plains will exchange items such as sandah, pitha, laddu and raw fish for hill products like ginger, spinach, garlic, la and dhuna. Concurrently, a mass fishing festival will be held at Jonbeel, open to all regardless of caste, religion, or ethnicity.
The festival will be graced by the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with several ministers and MLAs. During the Rajdarbar at the fairground, the CM will present Rajbhattas to 22 Tiwa kings of Central Assam.
The three-day event will conclude with a mass fishing festival at Gobha Raja’s Aram Beel and a symbolic collection of taxes by the king’s officials at the fairground, continuing the centuries-old traditions of the Jonbeel Mela.
