The nearly 150-year-old traditional fair Jamai Mela (son-in-law fair) began on Saturday at the ground of Bachhiron Necha High School in Rasulpur under Sadar upazila of the district.
The three-day event concluded on Monday. The Rasulpur Jamai Mela is considered one of the most unique fairs in the country, with an estimated trade exceeding Tk 2 crore during the event.
Various items including toys, cosmetics, wooden furniture, food and sweets were sold.
Despite the sweltering heat of Boishakh, thousands of visitors, including sons-in-law and their spouses, thronged the fair. Many were seen enjoying the event, while others were busy shopping.
Locals said the fair has been held for about one and a half centuries on the 11th, 12th and 13th of Boishakh according to the traditional Bengali calendar. The fair drew sons-in-law from at least 30 surrounding villages, who visited their in-laws’ homes during this time, making them the main attraction of the event.
Alongside food and sweet shops, stalls selling toys and cosmetics were also set up. Around 500 traders brought their products to the fair. People of all ages, including children, enjoyed the festive occasion.
The fair also prompted married women from nearby villages to return to their parental homes with their husbands. Families prepared in advance to welcome their sons-in-law. As per tradition, mothers-in-law presented some money to their sons-in-law, who then added their own money to shop for the entire family from the fair. This custom is the reason behind the name “Jamai Mela.”
The fair turned into a joyful festival for families, creating a vibrant and celebratory environment throughout the village.
