JAGIROAD, Jan 17 - The barter system of trade, which continues in a token manner among the hill and plain Tiwas and other communities of middle Assam, was in full display at the historic Jonbeel pathar on the second day today of the three-day famous Jonbeel Mela, a traditional colourful post-harvest fair being held from yesterday on the banks of Jonbeel, four km from Jagiroad in Morigaon district.
The indigenous age-old barter system of trade began in the early morning as per tradition and at the direction of the ceremonial �king� of the erstwhile Gobha kingdom Deepsing Deoraja in the presence of over 4000 hill people from the State and some from outside the State like from Meghalaya etc. The tribals bartered some essential items such as ginger, lac, indigo, mats etc., to procure various traditional cakes, fried rice powder, dried fish etc., from the plains people. With the necessary food items collected from the plains people, the tribals will celebrate their Magh Bihu. Tomorrow, the Gobha tribals will celebrate their �uruka�.
Another important event witnessed this afternoon was the community fishing at Jonbeel, the natural water body after which the mela has been named, in which all people joined hands. The community fishing at Jonbeel is a vital part of the festival which is conducted subject to permission by the Gobha Deoraja Rajdarbar. It plays a big role in fostering the spirit of friendship among different communities.
The unique barter trade was formally inaugurated by the Morigaon MLA Rama Kanta Deuri. He appealed to the hills and plains people assembled at the mela ground to preserve the ancient culture through this big get-together. He also explained the significance of the age-old Jonbeel Mela organised every year. A cultural programme of the Gobha Raja was organised at the mela site where ethnic groups performed various items in their traditional dresses.
Tomorrow, on the concluding day of the mela, a temporary �Rajdarbar� along with an open session will be organised at the Mela ground which will be attended by 18 ancient Rajas from various kingdoms under middle Assam, dignitaries from among the tribals and other distinguished guests.
Local holiday tomorrow: The Morigaon district administration has declared a restricted holiday tomorrow throughout Morigaon district on the occasion of the Jonbeel Mela, our Morigaon Correspondent adds.