Village fair is one of the cultural traditions of rural Bengal. The fair brings a tide of joy in the gray, gloomy and monotonous rural life of the people.
The word mela literally means reunion. Usually the people of the rural areas gather at the beginning or end of the year or on the occasion of a special day to celebrate various festivals in a special place. This village fair has been closely associated with the culture of Bangladesh since time immemorial. Bangladesh is basically a rural country. Most of the people in this country live in villages. So the village fair is very popular among the villagers.
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.
There is no end to the variety of products that come to the fair. Among the handicraft and cottage industries are bamboo, cane baskets, kula, hand fan, shital patti, nakshi kantha, fishing coach, polo, jhanki nets etc. Among the pottery items, 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, flute, ball, latim, marble 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.
[Clicked by me]
The fair can be said to be 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.
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