Traditional Laxmi Puja Fair kicks off today at Raninagar

RANINAGAR, NAOGAON, Oct 25: A traditional three-day fair marking Laxmi Puja, one of the major religious festivals observed by Hindus, begins on Monday at Kuzail Bazar in Raninagar Upazila of the district.

Hundreds of vendors have already set up stalls selling furniture, cosmetics, sweets, toys and other goods, while a Ferris wheel and other attractions offer entertainment for children. The fair has drawn traders to the Kuzail football field several days ahead of its opening, creating a challenge for organisers arranging space for the stalls.

Located on the eastern bank of the Chhota Jamuna River, near Kuzail Bazar, the fair has a long history, although its exact origins are unknown. Local accounts trace the tradition to the reign of the rulers of Kashimpur Rajbari, when a three-day fair was organised on the occasion of Laxmi Puja for Hindu communities in surrounding areas.

On Monday afternoon, hundreds of boats are expected to arrive from different parts of the district carrying devotees and Laxmi idols for immersion in the river. Organisers traditionally complete the ritual before dusk, accompanied by drums, music and dancing.

The festival also brings a celebratory atmosphere to nearby villages, where married daughters, sons-in-law and other relatives visit family homes. The fair’s second day is traditionally known as Bou Mela, or the “fair for daughters-in-law.” Local custom places particular importance on bringing family members to the event, which is seen as a way to strengthen kinship ties.

Sesame and coconut sweets, along with other confectionery and crispy jalebi, are popular treats served to visiting guests during the festivities.

Saidul Islam, President of Kuzail Jagaran Sangsad and the fair organising committee, said volunteers would work alongside Raninagar police to maintain order. He said separate teams had been formed to oversee different aspects of the event and that stall allocation was nearing completion.

Moklesur Rahman Babu, Chairman of Kashimpur Union Parishad and Vice-President of the upazila unit of the BNP, said a special committee had been formed to manage the fair. He urged vendors and visitors to cooperate in maintaining a safe and orderly environment.

Officer-in-Charge of Raninagar Police Station Zakaria Mondol said police would patrol the river by boat during idol immersion and maintain both uniformed and plainclothes surveillance inside the fairgrounds.

He said arrangements had been made to prevent disorder and ensure the celebrations remained peaceful. Dancing and singing events, gambling and lotteries would not be permitted, he added.