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Held every year during winter at Jonbeel of Jagiroad, a
township near Guwahati, which is only
32-km from the city, Jonbeel Mela is host to one of the most spectacular
and popular fairs in Assam. Jagiroad is on the
National Highway 37.
Few days before the mela, tribes and communities like
Tiwa,
Karbi, Khasi, and Jaintia of
Northeast come down from hills with their various products for this mela.
On the occasion of the mela a big bazaar or market is held here where
these tribes exchange their products with local people in barter system,
which is very rare in civilized modern society.
The Ritual
Before the mela they perform 'Agni Puja' or fire worship for the well
being of the mankind. It is to be noted that during this mela the
'Govaraja' or the King of the Tiwa Tribes along with his courtiers visit
this mela and collects taxes from his subjects
The significant point of this mela is its theme of harmony and
brotherhood amongst various tribes and communities. During the mela these
tribes and communities performs their traditional dance and music and
celebrate the mela in a befitting manner.