Vibrant Fairs & Festivals in Cooch Behar

Colorful Celebration of Rashutsav Festival in Cooch Behar
Rath Yatra Puri Festival Celebrations in Cooch Behar
Allahabad Muharram Festival Celebration in Cooch Behar
Colorful Celebration of Dhol Purnima Festival in Cooch Behar with Traditional Drums and Dancing
Durga Puja Festival Celebration in Cooch Behar with Elaborate Decorations and Devotees

Raas Mela (November – December)
Raas Mela, one of the oldest and most traditional fairs in Cooch Behar, is celebrated in honor of Sri Sri Madan Mohan Thakur from Purnima in Kartik (Bengali calendar). Its origins trace back to the reign of Maharaja Harendra Narayan (1783-1839). Initially held at Vetaguri, then at Madan Mohan Temple, and finally at the current Raas Mela Ground since 1912, the fair lasts for at least fifteen days, attracting devotees and vendors from Bengal, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Ratha Yatra (June – July)
Similar to Puri's Ratha-yatra, this festival in Cooch Behar sees Sri Sri Madan Mohan riding from the main temple to his maternal aunt’s house at Gunjabari in beautifully decorated chariots. Celebrations last for seven days, with a grand fair at both the main temple campus and Gunjabari.

Baradebi Mela
Held after Ratha-yatra, this four-day fair celebrates the worship of Sri Sri Baradebi at Devibari. Dating back to the 16th century, it used to feature displays of royal symbols like the throne and scepter, though these are no longer part of the festivities.

Durga Puja (September – October)
The grandest festival of the Bengalis, Durga Puja is celebrated with fairs across Cooch Behar, notably in Dinhata and Bamanhat, alongside various rural areas. This festival showcases the rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence of the region.

Sri Panchami Mela (August)
This five-day fair at Madhupur Dham, a pilgrimage site for Baisnava followers since the reign of Maharaja Nara Narayan (1554-1587), attracts people from Assam and beyond. The fair is a vibrant blend of devotion and cultural activities.

Dol Purnima (March)
A hundred-year-old fair in Phulbari, Tufanganj, celebrates Dol Purnima with a blend of religious diversity and vibrant festivities. The fair is marked by colorful celebrations and traditional rituals.

Annapurna Puja at Haldibari
A month-long fair held in the 19th century for the worship of Sri Sri Annapurna, though it is no longer celebrated, it remains a significant part of Cooch Behar's cultural history.

Hujur Saheb Mela at Haldibari (February – March)
This two-day fair at the holy Mazar Shareif of saint Shah-Sufi Md. Ekramul Haque (R.) is visited by both Hindus and Muslims for prayer and blessings. It is a testament to the region's religious harmony.

Muharram (March)
Celebrated with a daylong fair in Dinhata, Muharram features "Lathi khela" (playing with sticks) and draws people from all creeds. The fair is a significant event for the local Muslim community and others.

Shibaratri Mela (February – March)
Held at Baneswar, Dinhata, and Mathabhanga, these fairs celebrate Shiva Ratri with significant attendance and festivities, showcasing the region's deep-rooted religious traditions.

Astami Snan Mela (March-April)
With a dip in the Brahmaputra believed to cleanse sins, fairs are held at Ambari village and other riverbanks, continuing an ancient tradition. The Astami Snan Mela is a spiritual event attracting many devotees.

Baruni Mela
Similar to Astami Snan Mela, Baruni Snan Mela at Sahebganj in Dinhata is locally known as “Madaikhalir Mela,” and another fair, “Gangapani Mela,” is held at Kuthi of Rui.

Agricultural Fair
Recently started, this fair is organized by the Agriculture Department of the State Government. The Agricultural Fair promotes local farming practices and innovations.

Book Fair
Regularly conducted by the District Library Authority in the district town, the Book Fair is a haven for book lovers and promotes reading culture in Cooch Behar.

Flower & Fruit Shows
Competitive fairs are held in the district town and Tufanganj by the Horticulture Society, awarding prizes and certificates to the winners. These Flower & Fruit Shows highlight the region's horticultural achievements.

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