Joypurhat: The centuries-old horse fair in Joypurhat commenced a week ago, drawing large crowds eager to engage in horse trading and enjoy a variety of cultural activities. This 516-year-old traditional fair, which began after the Dol (Holi) Festival, takes place in Gopinathpur village of Akkelpur upazila and continues for a month.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the fair is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings, including puppet shows, games, circus rides, and musical performances by local artists. Organizers highlighted that this unique event is held exclusively in Gopinathpur, attracting buyers and sellers from across the country. While the fair spans a month, the cattle trade is limited to the first ten days.
Horse traders from various districts, such as Dinajpur, Chapainawabganj, Bogura, Gaibandha, Rajshahi, Jamalpur, and Sirajganj, have gathered since the day of Dol Purnima. The fairground is bustling with activity as buyers, sellers, and visitors converge. Horses are evaluated on a nearby playground where races occur once a sale is agreed upon.
This year, the price of the Indian Tazi horse, believed to be a Kathiawari, has surged to Taka 2.5 lakh. Horses with names like Bijli, Kiranmala, Rani, Sweety, and Bhartiya Taji are showcased, with their prices influenced by their attractiveness, speed, and energy.
Visitors are particularly captivated by the ‘Dulki horse,’ known for its remarkable speed. The fair also features advanced breeds from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan, with some foreign riders participating.
Abul Bepari from Gaibandha district offered Taka 2.35 lakh for a horse, while Rafiqul Islam from Jamalpur, attending the fair for 45 years, brought 47 horses. Yunus Ali from Chapainawabganj made the highest offer of Taka 2.50 lakh for his fast-running Bhutia horse from Bhutan.
Organizers expressed the need for a larger racing space to enhance the fair’s appeal. Fair committee president and Gopinathpur Union Parishad chairman, Habibur Rahman, noted that despite being a horse fair, it includes all elements of a rural fair. However, due to Ramadan, some entertainment activities are suspended.
To ensure safety, an adequate number of Ansar members have been deployed alongside police, according to Akkelpur thana OC Masud Rana.