(BSS) – The century-old traditional Bou Mela (bride fair) of the Santal community in Birganj upazila of Dinajpur, where young men and women gather in search of life partners, has once again transformed into a vibrant cultural festival drawing people from all walks of life.

The fair began this afternoon around 3:30pm at Gopalganj High School ground in Birganj upazila, coinciding with the day after Bijoya Dashami of Durga Puja, said Dinajpur District Indigenous Forum President Ganesh Soren.

“Not only indigenous youths but also children, elders, and people from other local communities thronged the venue, turning the event into a festive occasion. With the passage of time, what was once popularly known as Bou Mela is now also called Milon Mela (festival of togetherness),” he said.

On this day Santal girls, adorned in colorful sarees, bangles, and forehead bindis, gather from near and far in search of their preferred life partners, said Julhas Mardi, general secretary of Birganj Upazila indigenous organization.

If there is mutual consent, the melodious notes of sanai (a traditional flute) soon follow, leading to weddings with the blessings of families, he said.

“The process often begins with casual conversations, then approval from parents, and finally elaborate marriage ceremonies. Alongside indigenous youth, members of both Hindu and Muslim communities also join the fair,” he added.

People from various districts including Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Nilphamari, Joypurhat, and Naogaon also flocked to the fair, said Adibashi Somaj Unnoyon Parishad president Joseph Hemrom.

Hundreds of makeshift stalls lined the school ground and surrounding Gopalganj bazar, selling sweets, snacks, ornaments, toys, pottery, household goods and handicrafts, creating a bustling market.

Birganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Tanvir Hasan described the Bou Mela as a unique and exceptional cultural event and said strict security measures have been taken to prevent any untoward incident so that visitors can enjoy the celebrations peacefully.

This year’s event was jointly organized by Nijpara and Mohanpur Union Parishads and Birganj Indigenous Social Development Association. The celebrations featured solo dances, cultural performances, and a discussion meeting at the school ground.

The discussion was chaired by Adibashi Somaj Unnoyon Parishad president Joseph Hemrom and attended by distinguished guests, including central Krishak Dal member and Birganj Upazila BNP president Md. Manjurul Islam Manju, who praised the indigenous community’s efforts to uphold this unique tradition.

He said, “We have always maintained cordial relations with the indigenous people of this region. By attending today’s event, we want to encourage them and ensure security so that this traditional gathering continues for generations to come.”

Nijpara UP chairman and BNP general secretary Md. Anisur Rahman Anis, Mohanpur UP chairman Md. Shahinur Rahman Chowdhury, Dinajpur Caritas regional director Robi Mardi, and Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front convener Manoj Kumar Roy, were also present on the occasion.