Rural Bangladesh’s Baishakhi fairs: a tradition fading away
Staff Correspondent
Every year on the first day of the Bangla calendar, known as Pahela Baishakh, the village of Bhadughar in Brahmanbaria hosts the Baruni or Banni fair on the banks of the Titas River. The fair, nearly four centuries old, is one of the biggest in the country.
As the fair approaches, the village of Bhadughar becomes festive. Traditionally, women would visit their parents’ homes from their in-laws' before the Banni. While this tradition continues, its parts like preparing flattened rice or Chira and puffed rice or Muri are no longer there.
Jaminur Rahman, a local cultural enthusiast, cherishes memories of attending the fair since childhood, with excitement of tales told by his grandparents. His curiosity about the fair's history was sparked at a young age, driving him to learn more about its origins and significance.Speaking to bdnews24.com, Jaminur, in his fifties, discussed the significance of Bhadughar village.
He mentioned the Mughal-era Bhadughar Shahi Mosque and the shrine of Hazrat Syed Shah Sulaiman Osman Gani, commonly known as Maijla Peer, believed to be a revered saint who arrived with Hazrat Shahjalal centuries ago.
The fair, held near the shrine, is considered sacred by both Muslims and Hindus.
Jaminur recalled childhood memories of his grandfather buying household items from the Banni.
The fair was renowned as a hub of agricultural products, fishing nets, ploughs, and other necessities.
