Zakir Hossain, Goalanda (Rajbari) Correspondent:
A traditional Charak Puja and fair was held in Goalanda Upazila of Rajbari. The Charak Puja and rural fair was held on Monday (April 14) afternoon in the field next to the house of Katakhali Premchon Fakir in Chhota Bhakla Union of the upazila.
The main attraction of this fair, which has a tradition of hundreds of years, is the spinning of a spinning wheel with a spinning wheel tied to its back. In addition to the locals, thousands of people from far and wide from Rajbari and the surrounding districts flock to watch this fair to enjoy this traditional event. Moreover, thousands of people come from far and wide to buy various types of food, children’s toys and rural handicrafts at this fair, which is a tradition of rural Bengal.
This fair and puja is usually held on the last day of the month of Chaitra every year. When the main puja begins in the afternoon, there is great enthusiasm among the devotees. Along with the puja rituals, pujas of Kali, Shitala and Buri Devi are also held.
This time, Joy Biswas (22) and Devdas Biswas (24) are being carried around with a scythe tied to their backs. It is said that the process of carrying the scythe tied to their backs and carrying the scythe begins a year in advance. As per the rituals, they prepare themselves for this sacred ritual by fasting beforehand.
Many people gathered to see this scene, and many had mixed reactions of surprise and emotion. Jaydev Shankar, a visitor to the fair, said, “I come to this fair every year. Hearing the scene of spinning a spinning wheel with a spinning wheel wrapped around my body, makes me shiver. But seeing this scene with my own eyes is a different experience. He said that such an exceptional ritual is not seen in the fairs in his area.”
Basna Rani Biswas said that like every year, she has brought her entire family to see this traditional fair. According to her, the atmosphere of this fair is as lively as ever and people were seen shopping in various shops this time too. Many people come from far and wide just to watch the spectacle of spinning the spinning wheel.
Kamal Das said, “I have been watching this puja since I was a child. Every year I come here with my whole family. It is not just a puja, but a culture that brings thousands of people together. He said that the main message of this puja is to wish everyone well from God.”
Badal Biswas, president of the fair celebration committee, said that devotees who participate in the procession by donning the Barashi fast for a week before the puja. This fair is one of the oldest festivals in Rajbari district and the area is filled with thousands of visitors every year.
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