Source: Twitter
Morigaon, January 21: The historic Jonbeel Mela got underway without the usual fanfare due to the pandemic on Thursday.
The traditional fair is marked by the age-old barter system in practice between the people of the plains and hills. The fair began as the Gobha King Dipsing Deoraja hoisted the Jonbeel Mela flag at Jonbeel Pathar near Jagiroad.
However, due to Covid-19, this year Jonbeel Mela Samiti curtailed several fun and frolic items from the programme of the Jonbeel Mela. The traditional Mela started with the Puja of Deosal Mandir and subsequently the mangalacharan at Mela field, along the bank of the Jonbeel (a huge natural water body).
In yesterday's function, the Gobha King Dipsing Deoraja inaugurated the souvenir of Jonbeel Mela.
Today the Mela was marked by the customary exchange of Pitha Laroo, and other food items between hills and plains people. As per the Covid-19 protocols, only 150 people took part in traditional Mela.
The Secretary of Jonbeel Mela Samiti, Jorsing Bordoloi said that this year only three historic items will be held, viz., Royal Feast of Gobha King, traditional exchange and tomorrow there will be Raj Darbar. All other fairs and programme have been cancelled due to Covid-19, Bordoloi added.
In tomorrow's Raj Darbar programme, Raj Bhatta to 18 old Tiwa Kings will be given by Pijush Hazarika, Minister, Water Resource from the Assam government's side, the secretary added.
