Hundreds of people from all walks of life crowds the 4 hundred years old Kurikhai fair at Katiadi of Kishoreganj. The weeklong traditional fair started on Monday, February 10 and is scheduled to end on next Sunday, February 16. The fair is organized around the Shrine of Shah Shamsuddin Bukhari (RA) marking his ‘Orosh’.
On the occasion, various types of items are sold throughout the seven days. In total, the trade is worth several crores. However, the special attraction of the fair is the bridal fair of the last two days. Local women visit, shop and enjoy the bridal fair on the last couple of days. Moreover, a fish festival, pitha festival attracts visitors to the fair.
Various shops have been set up for the fair on one and half kilometers area of Kurikhai village. There are shops of wood furniture, children's toys, everyday goods, girls' decor, food and sweets in the fair. Large fishes are coming to the fair from all over the country and being sold at high prices. There are entertainment arrangements such as puppets, circuses, motorcycle races and more. Adults as well as children are enjoying these at the fair.
It is said that Shah Shamsuddin Bukhari (RA) started spreading Islam in Kurikhai area of Kishoreganj with three companions as the first preacher of Islam in this region. After his death, the devotees started the Kurikhai fair around his Shrine.
Kurikhai Mela Committee President and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Aktarun Nesha said the Kurikhai fair has been going on for about four hundred years. Over time, the fair has now become a universal festival and tradition.