Many traditional customs are on the verge of disappearing with the passage of time, though various efforts are being made to keep them alive. To introduce the new generation to one such custom, a festival of doi (curd), chira (flattened rice) made from red paddy and Himsagar mangoes was held in Meherpur.

The event, featuring mangoes, chira, doi and sweets, was held on the grounds of Meherpur Government College on Saturday morning (15 June).

Festival coordinator Hasanuzzaman Milon said that at one time, when the Aman paddy came in this season, sons-in-law were entertained in home after home with chira from the new paddy, mangoes from the orchard and home-made doi and sweets. Guests were served the same foods. Now, keeping pace with the times, fast-food shops have become the mainstay, and even meetings between new in-laws take place in restaurants. The event was organised so that the next generation would know of the old custom and it would be remembered, he said.

Organiser Raju Ahmed said many people had gathered, and the traditional event had been held this year as in every year.

Coordinator Jarafat Islam, Advocate Rakibul Islam, Hasanuzzaman Milon and assistant teacher Aktaruzzaman, among others, were present at the festival.

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