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Informative Article | Sociology | India | Volume 12 Issue 8, August 2023 | Rating: 4.7 / 10
The Joonbeel Mela: Integrating the Hills and Plains of Assam
Darshana Adhyapak
Abstract: The Joonbeel Mela is a three day annual fair organised by the Tiwa community in a historic place named Dayang Belguri, in the district of Morigaon in Assam. The fair is held in the month of January (Magh) a few days after the Magh Bihu in the state. It is a social and economic fair wherein the tribalfolk, mainly the Tiwa, the Khasi, the Garo, the Rabha, the Karbi and the Jaintias residing in the hills of Karbi Anglong in Assam and Jaintia in Meghalaya descend to the plains for a three day stay and exchange their regionally available items like ginger, potatoes, berries, turmeric, etc for various items from the plains which the plains folk offer through the medium of barter system. Starting around 15th century AD, this fair is organised under the patronage of the Tiwa King, the ruler of the ancient Gobha Kingdom, the ?Gobha Raja?, on whose invitation the various tribes from the hills and plains of Assam and Meghalaya assemble in the aforementioned place to participate in this iconic fair.
Keywords: Joonbeel Mela, Hills, fair, Tiwa Community, Dayang Belguri
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 8, August 2023,
Pages: 74 - 85