Mela: Unadulterated fun

Photo: Mumit M.

Nothing denotes festivities in Bangladesh like mela (fairs). Originating from rural Bengal, these modest expositions have gone through some makeover and now get much fanfare in the urban areas. Unsurprisingly, mela is a big part of Pahela Baishakh celebrations. Be it the informal neighbourhood congregation, the major event where the crème of Dhaka hobnob, or the vibrant, delightfully gaudy rural affair -- mela gives us an opportunity to let go of our mundane worries for a while and soak up all the fun elements of it -- live music, jatra, putul naach (puppet dance), nagordola (a smaller indigenous version of Ferris wheel), snacks, sweets, clothes, churi (glass bangles), toys and much more.