Century-old ‘Doi Mela’ in Sirajganj draws huge crowd

'Doi Mela', a century-old yoghurt fair on the occasion of the 'Swarashwati Puja' held every year in Sirajganj's Tarash upazila, has become the biggest festival for years for the people in the Chalanbeel area.

Although, the traditional fair, which was held yesterday, continues for three consecutive days every year, the event was arranged only for a day this year due to health reason.

The traditional fair was first arranged during the tenure of Zamindar Banwari Roy Lal Bahadur in the 18th century, Tarash upazila Puja Udjapan Parishad President Tapon Kumar Goshwami said.

Zamindar Banwari Roy used to organise the fair regularly at Rashik Roy Temple premises as local people as well as their relatives from nearby areas then used to come to the temple on the occasion of the Swarashwati Puja, he said, adding that, but, for the last couple of years the fair is being organised at Tarash Poura Bazar Eidgah premise, next to the temple.

"We organize the fair every year, where yoghurt producers from different areas of Pabna, Sirajganj, Natore, Bogura and other adjoining districts come with various types of sweetmeats," Tapon said.

"As a sweetmeat producer I eagerly wait for the traditional fair every year. Not for profits, rather I feel proud to join the festival as it has been a heritage for long," said Haritosh Sheel, a sweet trader at Sirajganj town.

The traditional yoghurt fair has now spread beyond its boundary and also being held in the district headquarters at the same time, Sirajganj town Puja Udjapan Parishad President Hirok Goon said.

Over a hundred yoghurt producers from different districts brought various kinds of sweets at the fair held in Mujib Road area of the town yesterday, he added.