JONBEEL MELA

Celebrated at : Jonbeel of Jagiroad, 32 Kms. from Guwahati Assam. Main Ritual : Agni Puja Significance : A celebration of Harmony and brotherhood.

Held every year during winter at Jonbeel of Jagiroad, a township near Guwahati, which is only 32-km from the city, Jonbeel Mela is host to one of the most spectacular and popular fairs in Assam. Jagiroad is on the National Highway 37.

Few days before the mela, tribes and communities like Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi, and Jaintia of Northeast come down from hills with their various products for this mela. On the occasion of the mela a big bazaar or market is held here where these tribes exchange their products with local people in barter system, which is very rare in civilized modern society.

The Ritual

Before the mela they perform 'Agni Puja' or fire worship for the well being of the mankind. It is to be noted that during this mela the 'Govaraja' or the King of the Tiwa Tribes along with his courtiers visit this mela and collects taxes from his subjects

The significant point of this mela is its theme of harmony and brotherhood amongst various tribes and communities. During the mela these tribes and communities performs their traditional dance and music and celebrate the mela in a befitting manner.