Kundubarir Mela curtailed to only 2 days

The traditional Kundubarir Mela, a fair held annually in Kalkini upazila on the occasion of Diwali and Kali Puja of the Hindus, has been curtailed to only two days instead of seven days.

Madaripur district administration made the decision on Saturday following widespread criticism as some Islamist party men announced to suspend the fair this year.

Kalkini Municipality Administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Uttam Kumar Das said: "During the meeting between government officials and those opposing the fair, including some Islamist party representatives, it was decided that the fair will be held for two days. The fair will be managed by the Kali Puja organisers as the lease previously awarded by the municipality to another person has already been cancelled."

The district administration will issue a written statement finalising the details on Sunday (27 October) after a discussion with the Hindu community representatives and the fair's organisers.

Celebrating this occasion, Kundubarir Mela has been held in Bhurghata for over 250 years.

However this year, the fair was suspended by the local administrations following objections from 12 locals, who cited nine reasons demanding its cancellation.

The Hindus will celebrate Diwali and Kali Puja on 31 October.