The Joonbeel (Joon and Beel are Assamese terms for the Moon and a wetland respectively) is so-called because a large natural water body is shaped like a crescent moon. From 15thCentaury AD, the JunbeelMela is organised at DayangBeguri at Jonbeel. JunbeelMela is one of the most attractive unique festivals of Assam. It is the only fair in India where the barter system is alive.
Before the mela takes place, an Agni Puja (fire worship) is performed for the well-being of mankind. The mela starts with community fishing in the Chunbîl (Joonbeel) wetland. People perform their traditional dance and music, making the atmosphere one of joy and fun.
During the occasion a huge bazaar is held. A few days before the mela starts, indigenous tribal communities of Assam Hills and neighborhood like Hills Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi, and Jayantia of the northeast come down from the hills with products and interchange their merchandise with the native indigenous Assamese people in a barter system.
Jonbeel Mela is celebrated during the month of January every year. Jonbeel Mela is a three-day annual indigenous Tiwa Community fair held the weekend of Magh Bihu at a historic place known as Dayang Belguri at Joonbeel.
The mela is said to have begun not later than 15th century AD. It was first organized ago by the Tiwa (Lalung) to discuss the prevailing political situations. The Mela was initiated by our predecessors to maintain cordial relations among all the indigenous Assamese communities.
The theme of the mela is harmony and brotherhood among the indigenous Assamese communities and tribes scattered in the Northeast India.
How to Reach
Joonbeel is 3 km from Jagiroad in the Morigaon district of Assam and 32 km from Guwahati. The National Highway connecting the mela is NH 37. You can hire a Taxi from Guwahati to reach Joonbeel or catch bus from Adhabari Guwahati.