Jonbeel Mela, also known as Chunbîl Melâ, is a vibrant three-day annual fair that unfolds amidst the historical setting of Dayang Belguri at Joonbeel, located just 3 km from Jagiroad in Assam. This cultural celebration, held during the weekend of Magh Bihu, draws people from far and wide, with its roots tracing back to the 15th century AD.
The heart of the mela lies in the Joonbeel, a crescent-shaped wetland named after the Assamese terms for the Moon and a wetland. Initially organized by the Tiwa (Lalung) community for discussing political matters, it now stands as a celebration of harmony and brotherhood among diverse indigenous communities of Northeast India.
The festivities commences with an Agni Puja, a fire worship ceremony, symbolizing well-being for mankind. During the fair these communities perform their traditional dances and organize cock fights, fish melas and wooden furniture bazar to attract customers from the plains. People from the hills of Jaintia (Meghalaya) and Karbi Anglong (Assam) gather in a valley for a three-day mela, exchanging goods like spices and herbs for rice, fish, and cakes. Around 10,000 tribal villagers from Assam come together, living in bamboo huts, dining as a group, and sharing moments.
The Tiwa tribe's king, Govaraja, visits during the festival to collect taxes. The day before the mela, Gobha Raja and officers enjoy a community feast on Jon Beel's bank. Traditional dances and music add joy to the atmosphere. The busy market where barter system prevails is the main attraction of this mela. This hi-tech age barter system makes Jonbeel unique, perhaps the only fair in India where this ancient tradition remains alive.
Jonbeel Mela, as depicted in Rita Chowdhury's award-winning novel "Deo Langkhui," stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Assam. In 2024, on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of January, once again standing for harmony and brotherhood amongst various tribes and between the people of the hills and the plains.
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