Bagha, Rajshahi, Apr 09 (V7N)– The century-old traditional Eid fair in Bagha, Rajshahi, is once again proving to be a significant economic driver for the region, drawing lively crowds and fostering bustling trade. Hundreds of traders have set up shop, offering a diverse array of goods ranging from toys and handicrafts to food products and household items. This annual fair, a cornerstone of the post-Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, spans ten days.

"A century-old traditional Eid fair has been held in Bagha, Rajshahi, where the local economy has been boosted by bustling trade and diverse products. Hundreds of traders have set up stalls selling toys, handicrafts, food products and other items. This fair runs for 10 days every year starting from the day of Eid-ul-Fitr," a local fair organizer stated.

Traders, some of whom have been participating for decades, reported robust sales. Osman Ali, 75, a toy vendor for 35 years, anticipates earning a substantial income despite a slight dip in demand for his terracotta and bamboo creations. Nageshwar from Kushtia, selling bamboo products for 40 years, reported a healthy daily income. Cosmetics trader Meraj Gazi from Khulna saw impressive sales in the initial three days of the fair.

"Osman Ali, 75, has been selling toys at the Bagha fair for 35 years... he expects to earn around 25-30 thousand taka this year. Nageshwar from Kushtia has been selling bamboo products for the past 40 years. His daily income is 3-4 thousand taka. Cosmetics trader Meraj Gazi from Khulna has sold about 4.5 lakh taka in 3 days," a local business analyst noted.

Wholesaler Shahidul Islam's toy sales also reached a significant figure, while sweet shopkeeper Saiful Islam's income exceeded expectations. Notably, first-time participant Paritosh Mandal, a cottage industry entrepreneur from Naogaon, reported substantial earnings. Rehena Begum from Tangail also enjoyed strong sales of her products.

"Wholesaler Shahidul Islam's toy sales amounted to about 4.5 lakh taka. Sweet shopkeeper Saiful Islam's income exceeded 2.5 lakh taka. Paritosh Mandal, a cottage industry entrepreneur from Naogaon, participated in the fair for the first time and earned about 3 lakh taka. Rehena Begum from Tangail sold products worth 1.5 lakh taka," fair trade records indicated.

The fairgrounds host approximately 300 stalls along with numerous mobile vendors. Situated in a region known for its mangoes, paddy, jute, and sugarcane, the Bagha fair has long been a major attraction during Eid, offering a wide range of attractions for all ages, from children's toys and entertainment to jewelry and household goods for women, solidifying its status as a universal local festival.

"Around 300 stalls and numerous mobile shops were seen in the fair premises... With toys and entertainment for children, a huge collection of jewellery and household goods for women - all in all, the fair has become a universal festival," a fair attendee observed.

While some traditions have evolved over time, such as the decline in all-night jatragan (folk theatre) and gambling, the fair continues to hold nostalgic value for many. Jamshed Ali, 90, who has run a mobile hotel for 75 years, noted the shift in demand. Furniture businessman Abbas Uddin suggested that a more sustainable organization of the fair could further boost sales. Alauddin, a mobile library operator for 25 years, highlighted the fair's enduring appeal as a place for social interaction, even if book sales have decreased.

"Jamshed Ali, 90, has been running a mobile hotel for 75 years... According to furniture businessman Abbas Uddin, if the fair is held more sustainably, sales will also increase. Alauddin, who has been running a mobile library for 25 years, said that even though books are not sold like before, the fair has a special appeal in exchanging greetings with people," local accounts detailed.

Older residents fondly recalled the fair's past attractions, such as puppet shows, bioscopes (early film projectors), palm leaf flutes, and clay toys, lamenting their disappearance. They also reminisced about the abundance of traditional sweet shops, particularly those selling regional specialties like Porabari's chamchom and Gaurpal's sweets, often sold in clay pots.

"Sekender Ali, 68, reminisces and says, 'Puppet dance, bioscope, palm leaf flutes, clay toys were the lifeblood of the fair. Now they are all gone.' According to him, earlier there were sweet shops all over the fair - especially Porabari's chamchom, Gaurpal's sweets, and it was customary to buy sweets in clay pots," a local elder shared.

In a notable observation, local leaders from various political parties, including BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, who had been in hiding, made an appearance at the fair after 16 years. However, leaders of the Awami League were reportedly absent. Educationist Abdul Hanif remarked that the fair has transcended its commercial aspect to become a symbol of universal culture.

"After 16 years, local leaders of BNP, Jamaat and NCP came to the fair, but the leaders of the Awami League who were in hiding did not appear. According to educationist Abdul Hanif, this fair has now become not just a commercial event, but a symbol of universal culture," Hanif commented.

Upazila Executive Officer Shammi Akhter explained the historical significance of the fair, noting that it was originally organized to commemorate the death anniversaries of Hazrat Shah Moazzem alias Shahdaula (RA) and his son Hazrat Abdul Hamid Danishmand (RA). This year marked the 496th and 397th Orash (death anniversary observances), respectively, coinciding with the ten-day Eid fair. The lease of the fairgrounds generates revenue that is allocated to the development of local shrines and mosques.

"Upazila Executive Officer Shammi Akhter said that this fair in Bagha was originally organized on the death anniversary of Hazrat Shah Moazzem alias Shahdaula (RA) and his son Hazrat Abdul Hamid Danishmand (RA). On the occasion. This time Was respectively 496th and 397th Orash. This On the occasion Organized Fair Goes. Eid Day From 10 Day Until. Fair Field Lease Given Is 12 Lakh In money, which is spent on the development of shrines and mosques," UEO Shammi Akhter detailed.

Bagha Police Station OC Asaduzzaman stated that the fair committee is operating under 19 conditions, including maintaining law and order, prohibiting obscenity, and ensuring fair rent collection. He added that round-the-clock police patrols are in place to ensure a peaceful environment throughout the fair's duration.

"Bagha Police Station OC Asaduzzaman said that the fair committee is conducting the fair activities with 19 conditions, which include maintaining law and order, banning obscenity, and collecting rent at a fair rate. There is round-the-clock police patrol to ensure a peaceful environment at the fair," OC Asaduzzaman assured.

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