Fairs of Assam are celebrated with great vigour in different parts of the state marking significant occasions. These fairs form exquisite occasions for gathering tourists and devotees belonging to far off regions. They are immensely revered for their religious significance and invite the participation of a large crowd.
Fairs of Assam beautifully represent the culture, traditions and beliefs of the state. These fairs also augment the tourism of the state greatly. The unique customs and rituals of the fairs have rendered them huge popularity throughout the country. Since ancient past, these fairs have upheld the traditions of the state in the most exquisite manner.
Fairs commemorated in Assam
Following are the different fairs of Assam:
Ambubachi Mela: Ambubachi Mela is one the most significant fairs celebrated in Guwahati, Assam. The beautiful Kamakhya temple forms the exquisite venue for the fair. This annual fair is organized during the monsoon when the Brahmaputra River flows prosperously. The fair is greatly revered and pilgrims from far off places hail to the fair to receive blessings of the goddess. The fair is visited by a large number of pilgrims including Sadhus, Sanyasins, Aghoras, Bauls and a sea of tourist.
Jonbeel Mela: Jonbeel Mela is a community fair organized for three days in Morigaon district of Assam. The fair takes its name from the lake Jonbeel next to which the event it is organized. The shape of the lake resembles a crescent moon. It is celebrated at the weekend of Magh Bihu, the harvest festival of Assam. It was started in ancient times by the kings of Ahom dynasty for discussing the political situations in the kingdom. The fair has acquired a unique place amongst the fairs of India owing to its tradition of barter system. It is the only event in the country which still features this ancient tradition, keeping it alive in this modern society. The fair is also visited by a tribal king.
Sualkuchi Fair: Fairs are held at different places of Assam and the most amazing being those at Sualkuchi and Silghat. Sualkuchi is famous for its `muga` silk, i.e. the natural golden silk of Assam which is not produced anywhere else in the world. Other varieties like `Endi` or `tassar` and pat silks are also woven here.
Daranga Mela: Of the experienced fairs separated with any temple or religious festival is the Daranga mela. It is in fact a big market held yearly for about a month. It is held about thirty miles from Rangiya in northern Kamarupa. From the beginning of autumn till spring is over, dried-up Daranga becomes a global trade centre.
Ashoka Ashtami Mela: Held in March-April, the fair held in Shahidi Divas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib in November-December, Bilasipara Raas Mela in December. The fair at Bogribari Mahamaya Dham, Durga Puja festival across lower Assam districts in September-October, Charantali Mela in Garo Hills adjoining Dhubri district in April and Raas Melas in Barpeta and Nalbari districts have all created a vast market for local products.
Netaji Mela: Netaji Mela is a tradition of Karimganj, Assam. It is organized by the Municipality Board of Karimganj. The Mela embraces a lot of eye-catching amusement rides and various types of selling stalls from all parts of the country.
