Description of the rural fair
The variety of rural life is beautifully displayed in the rural fair. New products were introduced at this fair. It can be called an annual market as the sale of goods prevails in the village fairs. Shopkeepers bring goods from far and wide to the fair. Many make and store products throughout the year to sell at fairs. Not only traders, but also producers and farmers come to the fair to sell their products. Somewhere in the fair there are earthenware, somewhere wooden things, somewhere kites and somewhere food shops. The presence of various agricultural products can be seen in a special part of the fair. The village fair attracts all kinds of people irrespective of race, religion and caste. And a variety of food is arranged for these people. A variety of sweets become enticing to buyers. A variety of toys, earthenware, wood or plastic products come to the fair to entertain the little ones. There is no end to the variety of these materials. In fact, it would not be wrong to call the fair a world of children's joy. The sound of the flute in their mouths became resounding all around. There are also various arrangements for the visitors including Nagar Dola, Lathi Khela, Wrestling, Circus, Dance, Song, Kavigan, Baul Song, Fakir Song and Jatra.
Gathering of people of different classes and professions
People of different professions and classes of the village gather at the village fair. This fair creates a wonderful bridge of art between people and artists. Through the fair, people from different classes and professions of the society get acquainted and in this way they get various experiences. From blacksmiths, potters, weavers, fishermen and mechanics, people from almost all walks of life gather here.
Assembling of various materials
There is no end to the variety of products that come to the fair. Handicraft and cottage industries include bamboo, cane baskets, kula, hand fan, shital patti, nakshi kantha, dalghuntani, coconut kora, fishing coach, polo, jhanki nets etc. Among the pottery materials, earthenware pots and pot lids are notable. The things made by the blacksmith are- da, kaste, churi, kodal, sabal, boti etc. Among the wooden items - pedestals, rollers, water chairs, chairs, tables, couches are significant. A variety of toys for children are also available at the fair. Such as- dolls, flutes, balls, latims, marbles etc. Among the cosmetic accessories for girls, ribbons, bangles, clips, snow-powder etc. are notable. Among the food items, murki-murki, khai, khaja, kadma, sugar lollipops, jilapi, amitti, nimki, rasgolla and coconut stalks are notable.
Significance of fairs
Fairs usually have two very important aspects. Psychological and economic aspects. Psychological aspect refers to the exchange of ideas. The economic aspect is the buying and selling of goods. The people of the village work hard to break their bones. Excessive work causes the rhythm of their lives to decline. And this rural fair then serves as a source of endless peace. Rural people get a taste of happiness through fairs. There are many poor, neglected people in the village who can earn some income on the occasion of this fair. Such as blacksmiths, potters and weavers make some income these days by selling their things. So this fair also has significance from an economic point of view.
Disadvantages of the fair
Nothing in the world is unmixed. So despite the many advantages of the village fair, it has some disadvantages. Usually a variety of people gather at the fair. And because of this many times illegal activities including theft, robbery, snatching, gambling take place in the fair. The environment is also polluted for the gathering of many people.
The fair can be called the bearer of the culture and tradition of rural Bengal. It is an important part of the folk culture of abhaman Bengal. Through the fair, people from one village get acquainted with the people of another village and exchange ideas. However, as a result of increasing urbanization, this culture and tradition of rural Bengal is now on the verge of extinction. Therefore, government patronage is needed to sustain the rural fair, which is the bearer of rural culture and heritage.