GUWAHATI: The Assam Chief Minister said there will be no restrictions on drinks during festivals while addressing the media at the Jonbeel Mela.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while participating in the second day of the Jonbeel Mela announced a royal allowance to the Tiwa king and appealed to the Tiwa people not to “forget” their local language, culture, food, religion, folk dance and food and drinks. He said that in festivals like the Jonbeel fair, local drinks should be made available.
“If people can buy whiskey, and rum and drink it, the Tiwa people can drink Xaaj, Rohi openly, there cannot be a barrier. Today, I have allowed that where there is a fair, where there is Bihu, as many tribal festivals, there should be no restriction in drinking Xaaj, Rohi etc. Don't forget anything old,” the Chief Minister said.
The Jonbeel Mela (fair) was not organised in a grand manner for the last two years because of the COVID-19 scare and restrictions. This time the fair has been revived in a splendid manner.
The barter system which is not prevalent in society anymore is a historic attraction of the fair and is kept alive even today only at the Jonbeel Mela.
According to the system, the people of the hills and plains both exchange products. This traditional practice continues to convey the message of harmony.
The fair, held every year in January, is organised on the banks of the Jon Beel in Morigaon from January 19 to January 21.
During the fair, the people from the plains collect ginger, turmeric, cucumbers, hill potatoes etc. from the people of the hills in exchange for chira-pitha, dried fish, etc.
In addition to the food items, costumes of various communities, timber and bamboo furniture, various other items are also available at the Jonbeel Fair.
Various traditional and tribal food and indigenous drinks have been available on the banks of the Jonbeel for food lovers this time too.
An organiser said that a team from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) visited the Jonbeel Mela in order to make a documentary about the fair which will be telecasted across the world.
