Ujjal Roy , Narail 

The traditional four-day fair of Sri Sri Baba Buro Thakur has begun in Narail’s Itna Union, under Lohagara upazila. 

The event is held at the sacred banyan tree site in Daulatpur Radhanagar (Itna), a location steeped in local history and spiritual reverence.

According to Papun Kundu, a local representative of Itna Union , the fair centers around the spiritual site known as “Baba Buro Thakur’s Tree.” The founding figure behind the event was the late Babu Tamal Krishna Kundu. The current president of the organizing committee is prominent businessman and philanthropist Babu Alok Kumar Saha, son of long-serving former president Gopal Chandra Saha. He is widely respected for his social contributions, particularly in supporting underprivileged students. The general secretary of the committee is Babu Ujjal Ganguly.

The spiritual significance of the site is deeply rooted in local folklore. It is believed that in the past, wishes made under the banyan tree would be fulfilled. Visitors would offer raw milk and coins as part of their vows. Local accounts suggest that even the legendary Rani Rasmoni once visited the site, offering milk and coins and spending quiet moments in solitary prayer beneath the tree.

Today, regular worship and offerings continue at Baba Buro Thakur’s site, with large gatherings, particularly on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Legends about the deity are still shared widely among locals. Historians and devotees estimate the presence of Baba Buro Thakur at this location dates back approximately 400 to 450 years.

The fair, which has been organized for the past 20 years, traditionally begins on the first Tuesday of the Bengali month of Baishakh. If that Tuesday falls on Pahela Baishakh (Bengali New Year), the fair is held from the second Tuesday instead. It usually continues for three to four days, attracting thousands of visitors from various religions and communities.

This year, the four-day-long fair will take place from April 22 to April 25. The festivities will include the grand puja of Sri Sri Baba Buro Thakur, along with a variety of cultural programs such as padavali kirtan, Gita yajna, and kabigan.