ANOTHER RAAS MELA

A rural Raas Mela at Gitaldaha

COOCH BEHAR, Dec. 16: A fortnight long Raas Mela is going on at Harirhat of Gitaldaha near Indo-Bangladesh border in Dinhata sub-division. It began on 3 December and it is to be concluded tomorrow. This is the thirty-fifth year of the fair.

 

After the traditional Raas Mela of Cooch Behar it is the second of its kind in this district. Though Raas festival is a Hindu religious one the Raas Mela of Harirhat is a joint platform for both Hindus and Muslims. It may be termed as an example of communal harmony. Leaving religious beliefs they come here to enjoy the life.

 

There are all attractions and features common to all fairs in this Raas Mela - circus shows, merry-go-round, shops of stationary items, toys and cheap ornaments and perfumes, small eateries and certainly huge gathering of rural people. Cultural programmes are held everyday.

 

The theme of this year's fair is 'Better healthcare for mother and child'. Seminars and exhibitions are being held everyday on the need of preventive healthcare for the mothers and children.

 

President of the fair organising committee, Mr Lakshmi Kaloar, said, once people from the other side of the border used to come to attend this fair. But, due to the strict vigil along the Indo-Bangladesh Border it is hard for the Bangladeshis to come to attend the fair these days.

 

As the Rass Mela of Harirhat held during the harvesting season the villagers feel free to join the funfair because they have the ability to spend a few bucks, as they will, with their family members and children. []