A CORRESPONDENT
JAGIROAD: The traditional Jonbeel Mela with unique barter concluded on Saturday. The mela began on January 21 with the rituals at the Deosal Temple here which was followed by unfurling of the mela flag by Gova Raja Deep Singh Deoraja at Jonbeel Pathar.
The Gova Raja attended a feast with the hills tribes gathered here from Meghalaya, KarbiAnglong and other parts to exchange their food products with the plain tribes. The unique barter started from the wee hours on January 22 amongst the hills and plains tribes. The hills tribes exchange their food products with plain tribes. This exchange reflects the rich heritage of Tiwa cultural harmony believed to be in their society since 1200.
The barter was formally inaugurated by Morigaon MLA Ramakanta Deuri. The community fishing and cock fighting were also held on the day. The Gova Raja Rajdarbar was also held on that day where 18 traditional rajas took part. Morigaon Deputy Commissioner Leena Das, Superintendent of Police Dr.Nanda Singh Barkola, Tiwa Autonomous Council chief Jiban Chandar Konwar and deputy chief Tulsi Bordoloi extended State Government grant rajbhatta of Rs.1 lakh to each of the traditional rajas.
On the last day of the three-day mela on Saturday, the Gova Raja councils collected token tax from the vendors. Cultural teams under North East Cultural Centre, Dimapur performed various programmes. Community fishing was also held on Saturday.