Photo: Messenger
'Doi Mela', a 250-year-old yogurt fair held during 'Swarashwati Puja', is currently underway in Tarash upazila of Sirajganj, marking the biggest festival in the Chalanbeel area.
Each year witnesses a growing number of buyers flocking to this fair, where yogurt sellers offer various sizes and flavors of yogurt. This year is no exception, with the grand yogurt fair taking place from morning to afternoon on Wednesday at Mujib Road and Tarash Eidgah ground.
Traditionally, yogurt from Sirajganj, Bogura, Pabna, and Natore is brought to the fair by Ghoshera, attracting buyers with a variety of flavors like Kshirsa, Shahi, sour, and Sripuri yogurt. Yogurt enthusiasts anticipate the continued expansion of this age-old tradition in the coming years.
The origins of this fair trace back to zamindar Banwari Lal Roy Bahadur, who initiated the tradition on the first Panchami Tithi out of his love for yogurt and sweets. Since then, the fair has been an integral part of Saraswati Puja celebrations, evolving into a day-long event on Mujib Road in Sirajganj city.
Ranjit Ghosh from Roni Misthanna Bhandar, a distributor of delicious yogurt, expressed optimism about the day's sales despite rising costs of milk, fuel, labor, and containers. Residents like Sushant and Ranjit Ghosh from Rajapur attest to the high demand for yogurt from their region, ensuring no leftovers due to the fair's day-long duration.
Customers like Suman Das and Deva Biswas shared their annual tradition of buying yogurt at the fair for family gatherings during Saraswati Puja. Sanjay Saha highlighted the increase in both price and demand for yogurt this year, reflecting the festival's popularity.
Former General Secretary of Tarash Upazila Sanatan Sansthan, Dr. Gopal Chandra Ghosh, reminisced about attending the fair with his father as a child, emphasizing its longstanding tradition in the area. Current General Secretary Sanatan Kumar Das noted the revival of the festival with increased participation and interest among attendees.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, former General Secretary of Tarash Upazila Sanatan Sansthan, Dr. Gopal Chandra Ghosh, emphasized how the 'Doi Mela' has seamlessly woven into the fabric of local customs, passing down through generations. Current General Secretary Sanatan Kumar Das echoed the sentiment, noting the resurgence of interest and the joyous influx of relatives and visitors.
Santosh Kumar Kanu, president of District Puja Udjakar Parishad, reiterated the timeless allure of the traditional yoghurt fair, underscoring its integral role in the Saraswati Puja celebrations. As the festivities continue to evolve, the 'Doi Mela' remains a steadfast symbol of cultural heritage and communal joy in Sirajganj and Tarasha.
Messenger/Disha
