The three-day long historic Jonbeel Mela, held annually after Bhogali Bihu near Jagiroad in Assam’s Morigaon district, got underway on Thursday.
Large crowds, including tourists gather during the fair to witness the age old barter system in practice between the people of the plains and hills.
Tribals from the hills in neighbouring districts and from Meghalaya come in with their items and indulge in barter trade with the people of the plains, which is an age old traditional practice during the mela.
Rural folks descending from the nearby hillocks exchange their produce comprising ginger, turmeric, potatoes, arum, chillies and other herbs with whatever people from the plains have to offer.
Apart from this, many traditional sports and games, such as cock fight are also held during the three-day long mela. Scores of people have come in to take part in the festivities this season.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is likely to attend the event on the concluding day, on Jan 18.
The review meeting was attended by Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura.
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