year on 'Shukla Ashtami tithi' (শুক্লা অষ্টমী তিথি) of Bengali month 'Agrahayan' (অগ্রহায়ণ), an ancient fair or 'mela' is organised in the area of Goswami Ghat (গোস্বামীঘাট) of Chandannagar. It is called Khunti Mela. This year, 11th December is the day, when the fair will start.
/>
On the said day, the annual puja of Radhaballav Jiu (রাধাবল্লভ জিউ) is held there. Jagadish Goswami (জগদীশ গোস্বামী) was the 'Parshod' (পার্শ্বদ) of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (শ্রীচৈতন্য মহাপ্রভু).
Mahaprabhu Shri Chaitanya Dev had given him a cooking spud (খুন্তি) made of brass and silver as a gift. The spud was fixed on a stand. Every year, the spud is being worshipped at Goswami Ghat of Chandannagar on the aforesaid day and a month-long fair or mela is organised there which is popularly known as "Khuntir Mela" (খুন্তির মেলা).
/>
As per book written by Shri Harihar Sheth, in old days the fair ground used to fill with the amusement of circus, puppet play, songs and dances alongwith the shops and stall given by the outsiders.
/>
A fair or village mela belong to devotees of Vaishnob (বৈষ্ণব) religion, is still run as per custom, but with less participation of entertainer like circus, puppet play, singers and dancers, which are essential items to make a month-long fair successful. If proper steps are not taken, a century-old festival and fair will lost forever.
/>
Below are the Radhaballav Jiu temple of Jagadish Tirtha, Goswami Ghat, Chandannagar where the 'Khuntir Mela' is organised alongwith the photo image of Radhaballav Jiu inside the temple:
Comments