Dinajpur’s 200-year-old Dhemadhemia Kali Fair set to begin on Nov 8

The traditional Dhemadhemia Kali Fair, dating back around 200 years, in Birganj upazila of Dinajpur district will be inaugurated on November 8 under the management of the upazila administration, as in previous years.

The preparations for the fair, a rural tradition marking the end of the Bengali month of Kartik before the arrival of winter, have been completed. The fair is expected to draw large numbers of cattle, buffaloes and horses for trading.

The fair has long been a successful celebration of religious tradition, attracting hundreds of thousands of Hindu men and women from across the northern region.

These details were gathered from conversations with several local Hindu and Muslim residents.

Local Union Parishad member Md Abdul Ahad said the fair had turned into a month-long gathering and a traditional annual entertainment event for people of all professions, religions and communities in the area.

The fair is held in the villages of Bairabari, Chapapara and Hiramoni under Palashbari Union of Birganj upazila. Since 1200 Bengali calendar year, the Dhemadhemia Kali Fair has served as a popular recreational destination for rural people.

The fair is organised every year on the occasion of Shyama Puja, observed by followers of Hinduism, on the new moon day of Kartik.

The Kali temple stands on its own one-acre land and is housed in a tall building.

During a visit to the fair site on Thursday, it was observed that the shrine of Darbesh Mirajun Mia is located just a few yards to the west of the fairground.

Local Hindu and Muslim residents said there was no conflict between the two religious establishments, reflecting a strong bond of communal harmony.

They said people from all communities and religious backgrounds gather at the fair in large numbers and enjoy its festivities.

Geographically, the fairground is located near Thakurgaon to the west, Panchagarh to the north, Nilphamari to the east and Dinajpur town to the south.

Situated beside the Panchagarh-Dhaka highway, the fairground enjoys good communication facilities. Its location at the centre of several districts creates considerable excitement among people even before the fair is inaugurated.

Discussions about the arrival of Kali at the fairground begin well in advance. Cattle, buffaloes and horses are traded at hundreds of tents.

After Kali arrives at the fairground, enthusiastic visitors eagerly wait for the much-anticipated moment.

The fair offers extensive entertainment for rural people, featuring traditional Jatra performances, puppet shows, circuses, variety shows and magic performances alongside modern digital entertainment.

The fair is also filled with household essentials, furniture of various designs, clothing, cosmetics and other items.

For one month every year, the Dhemadhemia Kali Fair remains a remarkable source of entertainment for people in remote rural areas and a witness to the historical traditions of northern Bangladesh.

A visit to the fairground revealed that preparations were underway in full swing. Cattle, buffaloes and horses had been brought to the fair over the past few days for advance trading.

The fair will be formally inaugurated on Sunday, November 8. Following the inauguration, the grand trading festival involving cattle, buffaloes and horses will begin.

At the fairground, buyers and sellers were seen negotiating prices for cattle, buffaloes and horses. The animals will be purchased and taken away against receipts once the fair is officially inaugurated.

Birganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Suma Khatun said there was a dispute between two groups of temple attendants, led by Dhaneshwar and Jagadish, over the Kali Fair.

Both groups had submitted applications to the Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner, but neither had received instructions or permission to manage the fair.

She said, following the Deputy Commissioner's instructions, the Birganj upazila administration would oversee all activities of the fair in coordination with local Union Parishad chairmen and members.

The decision was taken as per the directives of the Deputy Commissioner, she added.

She said all necessary preparations had been made to ensure the fair was held in an orderly manner.

Traders from different parts of the country, including those dealing in buffaloes and horses, have already arrived at the fairground.

According to upazila administration sources, the administration will collect government tolls on purchases and sales by traders attending the Kali Fair, subject to approval from the Deputy Commissioner.

Birganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (Inspector) Md Saiful Islam said the traditional Dhemadhemia Kali Fair would begin on November 8.

He said the police administration would strengthen security measures to ensure the fair was held peacefully.

Regarding the fair, UNO Suma Khatun reiterated that a dispute existed between two families associated with the temple attendants over the fairground.

However, she assured that the fair would not be officially suspended and that the upazila administration had taken steps to organise it as before, ensuring entertainment and enjoyment for visitors.

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