Tangail: The traditional ‘Jamai Mela’ (fair for sons-in-law) has started with much enthusiasm in Sadar upazila of the district on Friday. The three-day fair will continue until April 27, as announced by Anisur Rahman, member secretary of the fair organizing committee. He highlighted that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure the success of the fair.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the people of Rasulpur village host the three-day-long fair annually on the 11th day of the Bangla month of Baishakh at Basirannesa High School premises. This tradition brings together married women from Rasulpur and surrounding villages, who visit their paternal homes with husbands and children for a joyous reunion with family.
The highlight of the fair is the exchange of gifts, where mothers-in-law present money to their sons-in-law. With this money, the sons-in-law purchase food from the market to bring back to their in-laws’ homes. This custom is the reason the fair is known as the ‘Jamai Mela’.
This year, as in previous years, a large number of people, particularly sons-in-law from Rasulpur and about 30 neighboring villages, have gathered at the venue. In addition, many hawkers and vendors from various parts of the country have arrived at the fair, setting up stalls to sell toys, cosmetics, wooden furniture, and a variety of food and sweets.