JAGIROAD, Jan 18 ? The historical Jon Beel Mela at Jon Beel, five kilometres from Jagiroad town, got under way on Thursday with a three-day programme. The mela began with the feast offerred by Gova king Deep Singh Deoraja on the beach of Jon Beel.
It is pertinent to mention that the hill tribes surrounding the area come to that place and exchange their agri products with the food items from the plain tribes. That is, the ancient bartar system is still prevailing there till today. For this annual events, hundreds of tribesmen from Karbi Hill and Khasi and Jayantia Hills of Meghalaya reach here and stay in the temporary huts made with straw. This Correspondent found that along with Tiwa community, Karbi, Khasi and Garo people gather there and exchange their items.
According to the Assistant Secretary the Mela Committee, Jursing Bardoloi, Bharat Narah had assured Rs 10 lakh for the development of the mela place and Rupam Singh Ranglang will take part in the programme. On January 18 there will be commercial ?mela? for all. The king also collects his tax on January 18 from the people of his kingdom.