The century-old Poradah Macher Mela started yesterday at an open field in Mohishaban union under Bogura's Gabtali upazila.

The Poradah Mela is held annually on the last Wednesday of the Bangla month of Magh. The event is organised by the local union parishad and traders.

The fair, which will conclude today, features the participation of local women and girls. Hundreds of vendors from across the country have arrived with large fish, some weighing up to 30 kg.

According to tradition, sons-in-law compete to buy the biggest fish to take to their in-laws' homes. Fathers-in-law invite them to the fair and often send money in advance to help them purchase fish.

Alam Hossain, a member of Mohishaban union parishad, said, "The two-day fair in Gabtali's Mohishaban union has generated an estimated Tk 5-6 crore in sales."

"Fish sales alone accounted for Tk 3-4 crore on the first day, while sweets contributed another Tk 1-2 crore. Various other goods, including wooden products, also played a significant role in the total sales," he added.

Photo: Anik Shahriar

"The fish fair, also known as Jamai Mela, ended yesterday. Today is Bou Mela (wife's fair), which is exclusively for women. Most of the shopkeepers here are also women," said Alam.

The Bou Mela is a relatively recent addition, introduced 15-20 years ago when the first day of the fair became too crowded. To accommodate women, locals decided to dedicate the second day specifically for them, he added.

Abdul Mazid, chairman of Mohishaban union, said the fair, which has roots stretching back over 250 years, is centered on Sannyasi Puja.

Photo: Anik Shahriar

From dawn, people from Bogura and neighboring districts flocked to the banks of the Ichamati River, where the fair is being held, said Abdullah, a local fish trader.

Large fish, including the endangered Gangetic Goonch, are being sold at Tk 1,600 per kg, while other varieties range from Tk 800 to Tk 1,000 per kg, Abdullah added.

As it is a fish fair, fish-shaped sweets are also a major attraction, said Kabir Ahmed, who came from Gaibandha's Gobindaganj upazila.

Around 300 fish stalls and 850 other stalls selling food, toys, fruits, spices, and various goods have been set up.