This Is Why Your Money Won’t Work At This Assam Fair

At the annual Jonbeel Mela in Assam, your money is useful as paper

By: Ankita Bose |
February 1, 2019 7:41 pm

At the annual Jonbeel Mela in Assam, your money is useful as paper. The annual Jonbeel Mela cultural fest operates solely on the barter system. The fair is an opportunity for local tribal groups to participate and also socialise while exchanging the items they require.

Tribal groups like Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi and Jaintia participate in the festival that signifies harmony and brotherhood. People assemble from all over the state to exchange goods and socialise for a few days. The three-day annual fair is held in Assam’s Morigaon district and the state has been hosting the event since the 15th century at a historic location called Dayang Belguri at Jonbeel, The Sentinel reported.

The fair has, however, made a few ‘modern’ adjustments by including the sale of factory-made goods and bike stunts. This year, chief minister Sonowal had vowed to make the Jonbeel Mela a global tourist attraction with the requisite assistance from the government. The fair started on January 17 this year and ended on January 20.

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