A village fair is a large gathering of men, women, and children held on a special occasion. It is like a mirror that reflects the true spirit of rural life. A fair brings joy and excitement, breaking the monotony of the villagers’ daily routine. People of all ages—especially children—eagerly wait for this happy occasion every year.
A village fair usually takes place once a year, either on the first or last day of the Bengali year, or on the occasion of some religious or national festival. It is generally held on the bank of a river, in front of a temple or dargah, or under a large banyan tree.
A village fair is also a marketplace where local people display and sell their handmade goods. Potters, carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers, and others bring their products to sell. Many kinds of attractive items such as toys, whistles, combs, hairpins, mirrors, cosmetics, earthenware, and balloons are sold. There are also beautifully decorated items made from wood, bamboo, and cane. In addition, various sweets and seasonal fruits are available, adding flavor to the fair.
People buy things according to their taste and choice. To entertain the visitors, special arrangements are made. Circus shows, magic shows, jatra (folk drama), and jarigan (traditional folk songs) are the main attractions. Merry-go-rounds, puppet shows, and mock fights also bring great amusement to the crowd.
A village fair is a source of great pleasure and excitement for the rural people. It gives them much-needed relief from their hard and monotonous lives. Even today, village fairs play an important role in village life. They are not only events for buying and selling but also a part of our cultural heritage.
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