Dhubri’s historic Ashokastami mela in Assam enters 56th year as symbol of communal unity

The historic town of Dhubri came alive with colour and festivity on Wednesday evening, March 25 as the 56th edition of the Ashokastami Mela was formally inaugurated, marking the beginning of one of the region’s most cherished annual fairs.

Organised by the Dhubri Ashokastami Mela Committee, the event continues to stand as a symbol of communal harmony and cultural heritage, drawing people from different communities for days of celebration, trade and entertainment.

The fairgrounds have been transformed into a bustling marketplace, with stalls set up by traders and artisans from across India. Visitors can explore a wide range of sweets, snacks and traditional delicacies representing various states, alongside household goods, furniture and handicrafts.

Committee members said that although the mela has religious origins, it remains an inclusive celebration that welcomes people of all faiths, reinforcing Dhubri’s long-standing tradition of social unity.

A major attraction in this year’s edition is the much-anticipated “Jalpari” (Mermaid) show, brought from Gujarat. The show features professional performers portraying mermaids in a specially designed aquatic setting, offering visitors an immersive walk-through experience with themed underwater displays. Organisers said the high-tech entertainment addition is expected to draw large crowds, particularly youth and families from across Assam and neighbouring West Bengal.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Tapan Kumar Dey, General Secretary of the Dhubri Ashokastami Mela Committee, in the presence of several local dignitaries.

Among those present were Dr. Debamoy Sanyal, Chairman of the Dhubri Municipal Board; Deepak Kumar Saha, Chairman of the Dhubri-Gauripur Development Authority; Ganesh Sen Gupta; Prabir Sarkar; Biplab Kumar Paul, senior secretaries; and Amol Saha, Working President of the Mela Committee, along with other prominent citizens.

Speaking at the event, senior secretary Ganesh Sen Gupta and Dr. Debamoy Sanyal said the mela is not merely a commercial gathering but an integral part of Dhubri’s social fabric. They noted that the fair provides a vital platform for small-scale traders and artisans while serving as a source of joy and cultural pride for the town’s residents.

The Ashokastami Mela is expected to continue over the coming days with cultural programmes, trade exhibitions and various entertainment attractions drawing thousands of visitors.