The traditional Gopinathpur fair held for Dol Purnima in Akkelpur, Joypurhat, is now in full swing. The fair, held for hundreds of years, is not only the centre of the Dol festival but is also known as one of the largest livestock markets in the north of Bengal. It is best known as a horse fair, bringing together horse traders, buyers and visitors from home and abroad.

Colourful horses have come from across the country this year. Crowds gather to see horses with names such as Bijli, Kiranmala, Rani and Sweety, as well as Indian Taji horses. Their speed, strength and intelligence make them highly prized, and buyers are competing hard for the horses they want.

According to the organisers, the fair has been held at Gopinathpur during Dol Purnima for more than 517 years.

According to historical accounts, about five and a quarter centuries ago a holy woman, Nandini Priya, set up a temple in deep forest about one kilometre north of Gopinathpur. The fair began with the worship held there.

At that time the ruler of Bengal, Nawab Alauddin Hossain Shah, visited Gopinathpur and was received as the holy woman's guest. Impressed, he granted the property of the Gopinathpur and Gopalpur mouzas as a religious endowment, recorded on a copper plate. Since then the fair has been held here every year at Dol Purnima.

The fair is regarded as the only horse market in the northern region, and buyers and sellers come from all over the country. Although it runs for a month, the livestock market is held mainly in the first 10 days. Horse traders have again come from various districts this year.

Among the most expensive horses this year is an Indian Taji, for which Tk 3.5 lakh is being asked. The most talked-about animal is a five-year-old Bhutia horse belonging to Altaf Ali of Sirajganj, with an asking price of Tk 2.5 lakh.

Anwar Hossain, who came from Ghoraghat upazila in Dinajpur to buy a horse, told Jago News that buyers test the horses' running in the field before buying. Once a price is agreed, the horse is taken to a designated playing field to show its speed, strength and ability, which is also a big attraction for spectators. "I have looked at several horses and liked one of them. I am bargaining, and if the price is right I will buy it," he said.

Azgar Ali of Gopinathpur village told Jago News that cattle, buffalo, goats and sheep are also traded at the fair, but the biggest crowds are at the horse market. He said the fair creates a festive mood in the surrounding villages.

Gopinathpur Union Parishad chairman Habibur Rahman told Jago News that, according to the organisers, the fair lacks a large open ground despite its size, which causes some problems for horse racing and for buyers and sellers. He said the circus and jatra performances have been suspended this year because of Ramadan, but the other attractions of a village fair remain.

Masud Rana, officer-in-charge of Akkelpur police station, told Jago News that security has been stepped up because of the large crowds. Police and Ansar members have been deployed and every measure is being taken to maintain law and order.

The Gopinathpur Dol fair is not just a livestock market but a cultural and historical festival. The gathering of horse traders, buyers and visitors from home and abroad adds colour, while the fair remains an important business centre. Carrying a 517-year tradition, it keeps its glory and remains a unique cultural event for the people of the north.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.