200-Year-Old Charak Puja and Rural Fair Held in Narail

A nearly 200-year-old traditional Charak Puja and rural fair of the followers of Sanatan Dharma was held in Kalia, Narail, marking the Bengali New Year.

The festival takes place on the second day of Baishakh at Thakurbari in Kalia Municipality and has been observed for over two centuries. The main attraction is the Charak Ghulli, which draws thousands of visitors from Kalia and nearby districts and upazilas. A traditional rural fair is also আয়োজন করা হয় on this occasion.

Organisers said a four-cornered Charak structure is built using bamboo on a 45-foot-high pole. Four ropes hang from its corners. Participants are securely tied to the ropes with cloth in a traditional method before the spinning begins.

As drums and other instruments play, 25–30 যুবক spin the structure from below, creating a dramatic visual display.

Large crowds of men and women gathered from Wednesday noon (April 15). In the afternoon, the Charak pole was spun in rhythm with devotional dances. Some participants dressed as Goddess Kali and performed, while others played drums, kashi, and cymbals. Visitors cheered, and women raised traditional ululation.

Tamal Chowdhury Tinku, a leader of the organising committee, said, “This Charak Puja and fair is about 200 years old. Like every year, thousands of visitors have come to witness the অনুষ্ঠান. A large fair has also been arranged. This event is an important tradition in Kalia.”