Bogura comes alive as people flock to the annual Nabanna fish fair in Uthli village’s historic Bot-tola, picking up fresh, large fish while celebrating tradition and community.
From the crack of dawn until midnight, the fair buzzes with activity as men, women, and children from diverse professions and backgrounds converge. While Nabanna is a traditional harvest festival for Hindus, the fair has, over time, transformed into a massive marketplace for fresh fish, vegetables, and festive treats. Villagers celebrate in their homes, welcoming relatives and in-laws with fish and fresh produce purchased from the fair.
This year’s Uthli fish fair continues the legacy of nearly 250 years, offering an impressive variety of fish including Rui, Katla, Chital, Silver Carp, Black Carp, and Brigade Carp. Fish sizes range from 1 kg to 25 kg, with prices varying between BDT 300 to 1,500 per kilogram. A single Black Carp weighing 18 kg is being sold at BDT 800 per kg, while a 15 kg Katla fetched BDT 1,500 per kg. Alongside fish, stalls feature fresh potatoes at BDT 500 per kg, seasonal vegetables, sweets, yogurt, meat, and clay-made toys for children.
Local traders report robust sales, often totaling several crores of taka in a single day. Abdul Aziz, a fish seller, highlighted the demand for large Black Carp, while Rezaul Karim confirmed selling a 15 kg Katla at a premium price. Abu Said mentioned that he participates annually, bringing in large fish, as the fair guarantees significant business.
Visitors emphasize the fair’s social significance. Jamai Ahmed Kabir shared that in this festival, sons-in-law and in-laws all purchase fish together. Similarly, Rafiqul Islam and Sabbir Rahman said they attend every year, regardless of whether they visit the fair at other times. Local businessman and social worker Md. Jahangir noted that the fair transforms the entire area into a festive hub, attracting relatives from neighboring villages and creating a vibrant community celebration.
The Nabanna fish fair of Uthli remains a testament to Bogura’s rich cultural heritage, blending centuries-old traditions with contemporary market vibrancy, and continuing to draw people from all walks of life in celebration of harvest, family, and food.
