Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

The traditional three-day-long 'Bou Mela' has concluded in Sonargaon, Narayanganj. According to the Hindu calendar, on the first day of the Bengali month of Boishakh, the historic Siddheshwari Puja is held under a century-old banyan tree in Sonargaon. Women gather in groups to offer prayers seeking peace, prosperity, and well-being for their families and the country. This religious ceremony sparks a three-day-long fair, locally known as the ‘Bou Mela’ (Daughters-in-law Fair). The festive occasion brings together not only members of the Hindu community but also people from surrounding communities of various faiths.  in previous years, the Hindu community arranged the Siddheshwari Puja at Kalitala in Sonargaon. Women lined up with seasonal fruits, placing them at the foot of the banyan tree as offerings. After the puja, the offerings were distributed as prasad (sacred food). Visitors to the fair mentioned that they come every year to perform rituals for their family’s well-being. This is a long-standing tradition that they actively participate in. Although the main puja took place at noon on Tuesday (April 15), women began arriving early in the morning, bathing and offering oil and betel leaves to Goddess Siddheshwari Kali, praying for their family's happiness.Locals explained that this tradition began around a hundred years ago in Joyrampur village of Sonargaon upazila, when the banyan tree was first worshipped as a manifestation of the goddess Siddheshwari. Over time, this practice has been passed down through generations. Initially, the event was only for newlywed women, but eventually, women of all ages started participating. The banyan tree, locally referred to as "Bou Tola," is considered sacred by the local Hindu community and is known formally as Siddheshwari Kalitala. Men also attend the fair, though in smaller numbers.One visitor shared that they have been performing the rituals at this tree since childhood, treating it as the dwelling of Goddess Siddheshwari Kali. According to tradition, women of various ages place soil at the base of the tree along with a cowrie shell. Each family member must be represented with a separate offering of soil and shell, which is believed to fulfill their desires.Nilutpol Roy, one of the organizers, said that initially, the event was exclusively for women. Sons-in-law were invited to the fair but did not participate in the puja. This is how the event came to be known as the "Bou Mela." The puja is held on the first day of the Bengali New Year to pray for peace and well-being across the country.

 The celebration creates a vibrant Boishakhi festive atmosphere throughout the entire area. This puja and the fair have been ongoing for nearly a century.