Introducing Jonbeel Mela
Jonbeel Mela, or Chunbîl Melâ, is a colorful three-day fair in Dayang Belguri’s historical setting at 3 km from Jagiroad in Morigaon District, Assam. Taking place on the weekend of Magh Bihu, which usually falls in January, this celebration attracts visitors of varying localities from far and wide. By tracing back to its origination in the 15th century AD, this mela therefore is the age-old and momentous cultural observance in the state.
The very core of the mela is Joonbeel, a crescent-shaped wetland that takes its name from the Assamese terms for Moon and wetland. Originally, it was organized by the Tiwa (Lalung) community for political parlance. At large, it was just a celebration of unique meet-and-greet that, over time, morphed into a larger social display showcasing the wonderfully vivacious traditions and customs of all the indigenous communities of the region. Today, it stands as a celebration of harmony and brotherhood among the various indigenous communities of Northeast India including the Karbis, Jaintias, and Tiwas.
The traditional rites include Agni Puja, a fire worship ceremony, signifying well-being for mankind. During this fair, the traditional dances are performed by representatives from these communities, coupled with cock-fighting, fish melas, and wooden furniture bazaars, all line up to attract customers from the plains.
The Jaintia hills (Meghalaya) and Karbi Anglong (Assam) hills see a large turnover of people, mostly tribal versions, for a three-day fair, wherein barter is exchanged for items with spices and herbs such as rice, fish, and cakes. It is a living relic of one of the few fairs in India built on this ancient basis that allows a fleeting view of bygone days. The barter system not only helps local economic resurgence but also reminds the people of their long-held tradition of mutual cooperation and exchange.
Around 10,000 tribals from Assam congregate in bamboo huts, eat communally, and mingle. Collecting taxes from the tribes during the fair is Govaraja, the king of the Tiwa. The day before the mela starts, he and his aides partake in a communal feast on the banks of Jon Beel. Traditional dances and music enliven the atmosphere. Barter trading is the main attraction at this fair. This barter system is the only one in India-therefore making Jonbeel remarkable, as the only fair where this ancient trade method continues to flourish.
Jonbeel Mela, as incisively depicted in Rita Chowdhury’s award-winning novel “Deo Langkhui,” has become a vivid reflection of the cultural tapestry of Assam. The 2024 Jonbeel Mela will occur on January 17, 18, and 19. Dates for the 2025 edition have not yet been announced. The coming Jonbeel Mela will yet again symbolize harmony and brotherhood among various tribes, that is, the people in the hills and plains. Visitors are expected to see the rich culture of Tiwa and other tribal communities, be entertained by traditional performances, and experience the time-honored barter system that remains at the core of the fair.
Jonbeel Mela is not just a fair but a commemorative festivity of community and culture and history. It provides a very unique opportunity to interact with the local tribes of Assam, to see their lifestyle, and to be part of the living tradition that had existed for centuries. If you are a history lover, a cultural traveler, or someone who wants an astonishing experience of the beauty of Northeast India, Jonbeel Mela is one event you must include in your travel list. If you plan to visit Jonbeel Mela in 2015, book your trip with Guwahati Taxi for a hassle-free, smooth ride. The well-trained drivers and employees ensure a comfortable journey, so you can enjoy all your cultural adventures with far fewer worries.