Utholi Fish Fair draws overwhelming crowds

BOGURA, Nov 19: The Utholi Fish Fair- believed to be nearly 300 years old-took place this year at Utholi Bazar in Shibganj upazila of Bogura, drawing overwhelming crowds of customers as well as enthusiastic visitors.
Beginning on the third day of Agrahayan, the fair continued for three days. More than 1,000 maunds of fish were traded at the fair, where businesses witnessed sales of around Tk30 to 40 million (Tk3-4 crore).
Alongside the fish fair, a market of newly-harvested vegetables also sat in centring a religious festival of the Sanatan (Hindu) faith called 'Laban'. On Tuesday (18 November), newly-harvested potato was sold at Tk380 per kg on the occasion of the fair.
Traditionally the fair begins on the third day of Agrahayan and continues for three days.
People from far and wide come to buy various types of small and large fish. It is a long-standing local tradition for households to buy big fish and fresh vegetables on this occasion and host daughters, sons-in-law and other relatives with special meals.
Locals from nearly 40 surrounding villages celebrate the occasion with their daughters, sons-in-law and relatives, serving not only fish but also polau, payesh and traditional rice cakes and sweets made from newly-harvested rice.
This year's fair featured many large fish-rui, katla, boal, glass carp, baghair, and air-weighing 5-25 kg, with prices ranging from Tk 300 to Tk 1,000 per kg.
Imranul Haque, a buyer from Singra, Natore, said, "I had heard that very large fish are available at the Utholi fair, so I have come here for the first time this year. I'm truly amazed. It feels as if everyone is competing to buy the biggest fish!"
On the occasion of Nabanna, the presence of sons-in-law at this fair has now become a special custom. At this Shibganj fair, fathers-in-law and sons-in-law compete with one another to buy the biggest fish. Almost everyone takes part in this competition to purchase large fish.
Komol Chandra Kabiraj, who came to his in-laws' home from Bogura Sadar, said, smiling, "My in-laws told me beforehand that I must buy a good, big fish from the Utholi fair. That's why I'm here. I also have to take new potatoes and around 12 kinds of vegetables. New potatoes are selling at Tk 380 a kg. As a son-in-law, I'll lose face if I can't buy a proper fish! And without potatoes, the 'Laban' Nabanna ritual feels
incomplete."
People come to the fair not only from Shibganj but also from various other districts to see and buy big fish. Standing inside the fairground, buyer Rajikul Islam Rony said, "This fair is known across the country. This 300-year-old event has its own history and a unique atmosphere."
Fish trader Sujon Sarkar added, "Customers here know the value of fish and buy carefully. This time, even though more fish arrived, prices were a bit lower. Around 100 stalls were set up, and fish worth Tk 30 to 40 million (Tk3 to 4 crore) was sold at this Nabanna fair." On the occasion of the fair, a special festive atmosphere prevails not only in Utholi but also in at least 40 nearby villages, including Chhoto Narayanpur, Boro Narayanpur, Rothbari, Dhondakola, Sadullapur, Berabala, Garibpur, Debipur, Gujiya, Medonipara, Bakshan, Rahbal, Akandpara, Jabaripur, Chhayghoria and Paikpara.
Besides Shibganj in Bogura, fish fairs are also held on this day in Nandigram and Kahaloo upazilas.

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