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Fairs
The fairs in Assam are generally associated with religious
functions in temples the most celebrated of which is in the
temple of Kamakhya on the Niluchal hill near Guwahati. A great fair takes
place in the precincts of the temple on the Ambubachi days in June-July,
when thousands of people visit the temple from all parts of India.
On the Asokastami day in March-April fairs are held at various places.
The most spectacular being those at Sualkuchi and Silghat.
Of the secular fairs unconnected with any temple or religious festival
is the Daranga mela. It is in fact a big bazaar held annually for about
a month, situated about thirty miles from Rangiya in northern Kamarupa.
From the start of autumn till spring is over, dried-up Daranga becomes
an international trade centre.
Bhutanese who used to come down for this fair take
their agricultural produce like oranges, Kasturi, butter, cloth, cattle,
horses, and dogs. They take back kerosene, coconut-oil, salt, yarn, utensils
etc. The Bhutanese through this fair have established friendly contact
with the local people. Large fairs are held in connection with Shivaratri
at Umananda of Guwahati, Mahabhairav, Singeri, Viswanath and Nagsakar
temples of the Tezpur sub-division and Siva Dol of Sibsagar town.
Jonbeel Mela
The spectacular Jonbeel Mela is held every year during
the winter season at Jagiroad, a township located 32kms from Guwahati.
In this fair, various tribal communities of Northeast come downwards from
the hills with different kinds of products. Click
here for more details
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