The traditional 200-year-old Dhemdhemia Kali Mela of North Bengal has commenced in Palashbari Union of Birganj Upazila, Dinajpur. Famous across the northern region, this fair is known for the sale of buffaloes and horses.
This traditional fair is organized on the occasion of the new moon of the Bengali month of Kartik for Shyama Puja. Accordingly, the fair officially started last Monday (October 20). Although the puja rituals conclude in seven days, the fair continues for the entire month.
The main attraction of the fair is the buffalo and horse market. Sellers from various places including Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Nilphamari, and Rangpur have brought their animals. Alongside buffaloes, rare breeds of horses such as Taziya, Bhutani, Manipuri, Pankhiraj, and Raja Bahadur are also available.
Shahin Alam, who came to the fair from Chirirbandar, Dinajpur with four horses, has set an asking price of three lakh taka for a horse of the Taziya breed. However, he mentioned that the highest offer he has received for this horse so far is two lakh taka.
Alongside the horse market, intense bargaining is also underway in the buffalo market. Sellers have brought rows of 'Para' buffaloes, 'Goyal', and local breed buffaloes. Depending on size and weight, the price for a pair of buffaloes is being quoted between one lakh thirty thousand and six lakh taka.
Seller Azim Uddin from Horipur, Thakurgaon, said he had brought three pairs of 'Para' buffaloes. He has already sold two pairs – one for five lakh fifty thousand taka and the other for five lakh taka.
The fair is not just about animal trading; it carries the full ambiance of a rural festival. Numerous stalls selling children's toys, sweets, Ferris wheels, household items, handicrafts, and local products have found a place in the fair. It has turned into a month-long social gathering for the locals.
Regarding the law and order situation surrounding the fair, Birganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanvir Ahmed stated that police and Ansar members have been deployed at the fair and the situation is being monitored round the clock.
