Chittagong Representative:
Baisakhi Mela centering on the traditional Abdul Jabbar memorial balikhela of Chittagong city has revived again. From beds to kitchenware, home decor, children’s toys, it’s like a huge pop-up market.
Around this centenary fair, which officially started on April 24 (Friday), a festive atmosphere has been created on the wide road from Andarkilla to Laldighi. There are rows of shops on both sides of the road, in the middle there is a crowd of people – some are busy shopping, some are just walking around. The whole area became alive with the sound of flutes, the shouts of vendors and the noise of people.
This fair is spread over several kilometers of Laldighi ground and surrounding area. The event spread across KC Day Road, Cinema Palace Morr to Kotwali is like a moving sea of people. As the afternoon progresses, the crowd increases, and as the evening falls, the fair takes on a different form in the light.
Almost all types of household products are available in the shops. Beds, cupboards, brooms, tableware, cutlery, mirrors—all are being sold at comparatively low prices. Besides, there are various furniture including baskets, chairs, shelves made of bamboo and rattan.
When you visit the fair, you can see the touch of folk culture. Ektara, Dotara, Dugdugi, Banshi – these musical instruments are sitting by the vendors. Mohammad Saju, who comes from Lalon Akhara in Kushtia, said that he has a relationship with these musical instruments since his childhood. Now he makes and sells it himself. He said, “It’s not just business, but relationships with people.”
Rajshahi’s Gagan Mandal has been selling flutes for four decades. Sometimes he attracts customers by playing the flute himself. According to him, “This fair is not just a place to sell, it is a kind of joy.” This fair is a major source of livelihood for thousands of small traders. Abdul Mannan, a broom seller from Chandanish, has been coming to this fair for almost 30 years. “Good sales on day one, hope for more ahead,” he said.
Vendors from different parts of the country have come and set up shop a few days ago. For many, these few days of income make up the bulk of the year. The most lively atmosphere of the fair is seen in the crowd of children. Rows of colorful dolls, plastic cars, kites, bamboo toys, swings in toy shops are attracting children.
Many children are serious about toys, and parents are forced to buy them eventually. Vendors are also trying to win the hearts of children with various tricks. Another major attraction of the fair is the food stalls. Manda, Mithai, Chanachur, Toffee, Achar—various types of food spread.
Suman, a carpet-papus seller from Agrabad, said that he comes here every year. Sales are also good due to the presence of children. Humaira, a housewife who came to the fair, said that Jabbar’s sacrifice game and Baisakhi fair is not only a shopping place, but a social meeting place. Women, men and children from all walks of life in Greater Chittagong wait for this fair.
Sahil, a 10th class student of Chittagong Sir Collegiate School, said that he bought the tub because of his hobby of planting trees even in small areas. On the other hand, a couple of Askardighi said that they are buying knives and swords ahead of Eid al-Adha.
Many come here to spend time with friends or family. Some are taking pictures, some are live—all in all, it’s a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Beginning in 1909, the message of resistance in history
This slaughter was started in 1909 by Abdul Jabbar Saudagar, a businessman of Badarpati. During the British rule, this sport was introduced on the model of wrestling to prepare the youth physically and mentally.
According to historians, the spirit of resistance was hidden within such sports events. Its main aim was to empower the youth through physical empowerment and organization.
The main attraction of Balikhela will be at Laldighi Maidan this Saturday at 3 pm. 108 people are participating this time.
Last year’s champion Bagha Sharif of Comilla and runner-up Rashed Bali have generated extra interest among the audience. Thousands of people are expected to throng Laldighi ground to watch this fight.
Unique arrangement in continuation of tradition.
This ball game, which is held every year on 12 Baisakh, was stopped during the Second World War and the recent Corona pandemic, but it has returned with new enthusiasm. Today it is not just a sport—part of Chittagong’s cultural identity. Standing on the ground of Laldighi, the fight of the sacrifices makes the hundred years of history come alive.
The city has changed, the times have changed, but the appeal of this fair has not diminished a bit. Rather, it has become a unique place of tradition, festival and joy for the new generation.