Md. Moniruzzaman:
The Banar River, once a vibrant waterway in the northern region, is losing its novelty and is on the verge of disappearing. However, the Uttar Bahini Mela, a century-old tradition, still survives around this river. Like every year, this fair is being held in Shushuti village of Daogaon Union in Muktagachha Upazila of Mymensingh on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
The Banar River, which is about 96 kilometers long and 43 meters wide, flowing through Jamalpur and Mymensingh districts, was once an important route for commercial shipping. Numerous cargo boats used to ply on the river. However, over time, the river has lost its navigability and splendor due to silting.
Nevertheless, the religious beliefs and culture developed around the river still keep the region’s heritage alive. Akshaya Tritiya is considered a very sacred day for followers of traditional religions. According to religious beliefs, Lord Vishnu’s avatar, Parashurama, was born on this day. On the same day, Lord Krishna blessed his friend Sudama and gifted Draupadi the Akshaya Patra. It is also said in the Puranas that the writing of the Mahabharata began on this day and that Ganga also arrived on earth.
According to the Akshaya Tritiya Celebration Committee, although most of the rivers in the country flow southward and fall into the Bay of Bengal, a part of the Banar River flows northward in the Sushuti area. This exceptional flow is why it is named Uttar Bahini. On this occasion, devotees take a holy bath in the river on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, and the fair is held around that bath.
Local resident Jamal Uddin, who is over seventy, said, “Since childhood, we have seen hundreds of people from different districts of the country come to this traditional fair. People of traditional religion start bathing in the Banar River from the morning.
Jaya Rani (45), who came to bathe in the Banar River, said that our ancestors used to bathe in this river, we also came here to bathe out of that belief.
Akshaya Tritiya 2026 was celebrated on April 19. The day began at 10:49 am and ended at 7:27 am on April 20. On this occasion, devotees and visitors from various areas including Mymensingh, Tangail, Jamalpur and Gazipur flocked to the fair.
The entire area around the fair came alive. There were various types of shops here. The fair grounds were filled with a variety of products, from children’s toys to household items, pottery and cottage industries.
The locals hope that even after the river loses its navigability, this traditional fair will continue to live on in the future as a part of people’s faith, culture and memory.
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