'Jonbeel Mela' keeps barter trade alive in Assam

Over a hundred people took part in the seamless cashless transactions exchanging their goods with others at the annual "Jonbeel Mela" (meaning a fair organised near a moon-shaped wetland), which started at Jonbeel near Jagiroad on Friday. It is believed that the basic purpose is to keep alive the rich heritage and tradition of the Jonbeel Mela.

Morigaon:People in central Assam's Morigaon district on Friday witnessed the ancient mode of transactions -- the barter system.

Over a hundred people took part in the seamless cashless transactions exchanging their goods with others at the annual "Jonbeel Mela" (meaning a fair organised near a moon-shaped wetland), which started at Jonbeel near Jagiroad on Friday.

The local inhabitants of the plains of Morigaon district participated in the fair with different items, like 'Peetha', 'Laru', 'Sandoh' (handmade sweet delicacies), while the people from neighbouring hill areas, including some from hills of Meghalaya and Karbi Anglong district of Assam, came with home-grown vegetables, rice, dry meat, dry fish and other items to trade.

Besides the locals, hundreds of people also turned up in the Jonbeel Mela to become part of a rare event that takes place only once a year and has so far been able to uphold the ancient tradition of barter trade.

History says that the Jonbeel Mela was started during the early 15th century.

The Ahom kings led to the commencements of this fair for discussing the political situations prevailing in their kingdom. The tribal people from the hills there came down to meet their relatives in the plains.

It is believed that the basic purpose is to keep alive the rich heritage and tradition of the Jonbeel Mela.

The barter trade is the symbol of unity of the people of the plains and hills.

There is no hard and fast rule for the trade, as anyone can exchange any amount of goods of their requirement.