Jumbangla Desk: A one-day exceptional women's fair or Milon Mela was held in Dinajpur's Birganj. The fair where young people find their life partner. If there is an exchange of hearts between the tribal youth or if they like each other, the marriage takes place in the presence of the guardians in accordance with the religious customs of the small ethnic groups.

Every year on the second day of Vijaya Dashami of autumn Durga Puja, the small ethnic group known as Basia Hati meets every year without any publicity. The main attraction of the fair is finding a life partner for Santal tribals. Due to which traditional known as Boumela for more than 100 years. Before evening the young people find their life partner and inform the parents. The date is fixed by looking at the calendars of the small ethnic groups, after which the marriage is solemnized formally in the presence of both families with relatives as witnesses.

On the occasion of this fair, the upazila administration and the district administration have strengthened the security system with the coordination of police, Ansar, village police. Therefore, due to strong security system, no untoward incident happened this year. The organizing committee is claiming that the fair ended peacefully.

The second day of Vijaya Dasami was held a day later on Tuesday (October 15) due to the Golapganj haat at the Golapganj High School grounds in Birganj, Dinajpur. The traditional meeting or Baumela of the small ethnic group (Santal) that has been going on for ages. Discussion session and cultural program of Santal tribals started in the afternoon. Alhaj Manjurul Islam (Manju), Birganj Upazila President of Jatiyatabadi Dal, was the chief guest at the discussion meeting. Municipal BNP President Amirul Bahar was present as a special guest.

Birganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fazle Elahi said that at one time this fair was known as the tribal fair. Now, visitors from various districts including Golapganj's surroundings also come to this fair. The tribals performed their own cultural programs, dances and songs. Besides, there is an opportunity to meet the bride and groom with the exchange of feelings among the young tribal women. Later got married.

Organized by Birganj 'Adabiasi Samaj Unya Samiti', thousands of Santhal youths come to this fair to find their life partner according to the tradition. Young people between the ages of 18 and 25 come to the fair with the elders of the house in various costumes to catch the attention of their life partners. As the day progressed, the tribals started coming in droves to the school ground, the main fair started after 3 pm till night, though the crowd grew. Thousands of people gather in this fair.

Going to the fair, it can be seen that there is no place to hold sesame seeds. Some say more than 100 years. Others say, this fair has been going on 'for many days'. No one can say when the fair started. Santal youths who come to participate in the fair for the bride and groom wait for a year.

This exceptional fair, held in a festive atmosphere with great enthusiasm, was a crowd of men and women of all ages from small ethnic groups. The shopkeepers who came from far and wide with various food stalls including bahari glassware, colorful ribbons, lipstick, earrings, oyster garlands, clay toys, household tools, axes, bones, pots were busy selling their wares. The traditional dance and song session continues to the rhythm of the music. On one side of the school ground, bride selection is going on.

Santal girls show themselves in colorful dresses. Dressed up in flamboyant florals to catch the eye. Their eyes are on the hands tied with handkerchiefs. Santal youths have come to the fair with handkerchiefs tied in their hands to attract the attention of their friends. The partner should be tied before evening. Then the dreamy journey of a pair of lives will begin. Most of the children who come to the fair are past the age of eighteen and touching the house of twenty-five. The crowd of young men and women in various styles grew to more than a thousand. Who will notice the lovely face?

Rubel Murmu from Dinajpur Setabganj said, I have passed 25. I came last year, this year too. Haven't found a bride so far. Let's wait till evening to see if available.

Rozina Hansda said, I am studying in ninth grade. I will not marry now. Still I want to marry a government employee boy. Still there must be consent from the family. Only then will I marry.

Anisur Rahman Anis, chairman of Nijpara Union Parishad, said that although there were strict social rules earlier, many people are getting married according to the state rules. If the young people like each other, they start their married life through marriage through family discussions. Once upon a time, if he liked a bride, the groom would carry her on his shoulders to his home. Although it is not a custom now, Santal youths throng the fairs to choose their bride and groom. Parents are also present. The festival of choosing a wife goes to the rhythm of music. However, this process has changed over time. Now marriage is not just about love. Rather, if preferred, it is communicated to the parents. If the parents agree, then the marriage begins.

Mahen Chandra Roy, head teacher of Golapganj High School, said that the fair became lively with the participation of people of different religions and castes, including Hindus and Muslims, in addition to people of different ages from minority ethnic groups.

Shital Mardi, president of Birganj 'Adivasi Samaj Unyaan Samiti' said, once the name of this fair was 'Bau Mela'. Now this fair is known as Milon Mela of small ethnic groups. The ancestors started this fair. We are maintaining its continuity. However, it cannot be said exactly when this fair started. I heard from my father and grandfather that this fair has been going on for ages. We are just going through the formalities on their way. At least once a year, the relatives of the minority communities meet in this area around this fair.