Jonbeel Mela, a mela where money has no value

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Jonbeel Mela, a mela where money has no value

JAGIROAD, Jan 19: Five and half decades after Frank McNmara changed the face of money by introducing credit cards, barter system continues to flourish in a healthy way, just an hour’s drive from Guwahati.

Driving past 50 odd billboards of credit cards and ATM cards through the crowded National Highway 37, one can reach Jagiroad in an hour’s time to see this unique event in this material world where every thing is counted with money.

"Not here. We still value goodwill and encourage the barter systems between participating tribes", said the Tiwa king Deepsing Deorajah. He is a king without a kingdom. But in the areas surrounding Jagiraod stretching up to Meghalaya and Karbi Anglong, his good will still commands unquestioned respect.

Every year during the third week of January, thousands of tribal people assemble in the annual Jonbeel Mela for this unique barter trade.

Despite mobiles, ATM cards and all kind of gizmos surrounding the whole area, thousands of tribal people assemble from all parts of the area to take part in the barter system.

Hundreds of Khasi people come down from the neighbouring Meghalaya hills with their produce to barter their goods with the subjects of the Tiwa king who is also known as Gobha Rajah.

"This is a tradition. The Khasi and Jaintia people come with ginger, turmeric, wild bee and betel nuts besides brooms. They exchange their products with dried fish, salt, vegetables and clothes with the local Tiwas", said chief executive member of the Tiwa Autonomous Council Ramakanta Deuri.

The council is a modern form of governance in the area but during the mela days it allows the traditional king to take over the proceedings.

Braving severe cold, the tribals from Khasi hills descend two days in advance and camp in the open area near Jagiroad, which the king and their subjects prepare before the mela.

The mela distinctly has two parts. One is the general mela where money definitely has a value and one can buy anything in a village weekly fair.

But the real character is in the other side of the mela, where money has no meaning. "Generally, the barter take place between the Tiwas and Khasis. The Tiwas are master weavers and their clothes are in great demand, hence these Khasi people do their annual marketing of clothes in this mela" said the Tiwa king.

Although there is no custom of marriage between the two tribes, but each consider the other as relatives and hence along with the head of the family, all move to Jonbeel Mela for that three days with extended session of feast, merry-making and various indigenous games.

The highlight of the mela is the community fishing where more than 2,000 people take part and the cock fight, which is literally an addiction amongst all the males of both the communities. This year alone, more than 400 cocks took part in the fight drawing hundreds of onlookers.

The mela because of its unique custom and tradition has now attained a status of tourist destination as many from the neighbouring towns flock in for the sheer enjoyment in a mela where money has no value. (Agencies)