Barodol Mela

Krishnanagar, a bustling city located just over 100km from Kolkata, holds a royal secret that has been celebrated for over 250 years. Barodol Mela, once an intimate fair between a king and his queen, has evolved into a sacred ritual deeply ingrained in the city's heritage.

Origin and History

Maharaja Krishnachandra, a devoted husband, once failed to
fulfill his promise of taking his beloved queen to the neighboring fair at Ula
Birnagar. To make up for it, he organized a grand festival in his own palace
where 12 idols of Krishna were invited for a month-long
stay. The tradition continues to this day, with the royal household playing a
vital role in the festival's success.

The festival is normally held after the Dolyatra in the Sukla Ekadashi tithi. It begins with the arrival of 12 idols of Krishna, each representing a different form of the deity. The idols are displayed for public viewing for the first three days of the festival, after which they retire to a temple inside the palace as guests of the patron deity Boro Narayan.

Heritage

A temporary marquee is erected in the palace precincts for public viewing of the idols, which are dressed in different attire on each of these three days, including royal attire, floral attire, and cowherd attire. Pilgrims offer flowers and colored powder to the idols, and the festival attracts Vaishnav pilgrims from all over the district.

As the sun sets, the fair springs to life with stalls selling everything from household goods to textiles, plastic goods, and toys. One particular food to try out is the locally popular hot snack called 'ghugni', made from cooked gram and yellow or white peas in a spicy gravy and served with various toppings.

From the traditional merry-go-round to the giant Ferris wheel, the fair offers a range of rides that are a major attraction for both young and old. The Ferris wheel, in particular, towers over the fair and offers a breathtaking view of the entire city of Krishnanagar.

Epilogue

The Barodol Mela of Krishnanagar is not just a spiritual and cultural extravaganza but also a hub of entertainment and a vital source of income for many. Whether it is the thrilling rides, the lively performances, or the mouth-watering food, Barodol Mela never fails to amaze me.