Where money has no value: Assam’s centuries-old barter tradition returns at Jonbeel Mela

What happens when money is set aside and communities trade only on trust and tradition? The answer unfolds every year at the historic Jonbeel Mela, where the centuries-old barter system came alive once again on the second day of the festival in Morigaon district on January 23.

The age-old barter exchange, the most defining feature of the Jonbeel Mel, began early in the morning following traditional rituals of the Gobha Deoraja. The ceremony was formally inaugurated at around 6 a.m. by the Gobha Deoraja, the traditional Tiwa king and custodian of the mela’s centuries-old customs, marking the start of the most symbolic and culturally significant event of the three-day fair.

Tracing its origins back to the 14th century, the Jonbeel Mela continues to preserve traditions that reflect Assam’s deep-rooted indigenous heritage. On the mela grounds, members of the Tiwa community from the surrounding hill regions descended with locally grown produce such as taro, turmeric, ginger, chillies, coriander, and other agricultural items. These were exchanged with people from the plains for traditional food items including pitha, snacks, and khar, all without the use of currency.

Conducted strictly according to age-old customs, the barter system remains the central attraction of the Jonbeel Mela, drawing large participation from both hill and plain communities. During the exchange, the use of money is strictly prohibited, preserving the authenticity of this centuries-old practice.

As part of the day’s schedule, traditional programmes including the Raj Darbar and Fishing are also being held, further showcasing the rich cultural and ceremonial heritage associated with the mela.

Leaders and dignitaries present at the event highlighted the barter system as a living symbol of unity, harmony, and brotherhood between the hill and plain communities of Assam, emphasising its relevance even in the modern era.

There are several folk beliefs surrounding the origin of the name “Jonbeel”, derived from the Assamese words Jon (moon) and Beel (wetland), and the beginnings of this historic mela. According to one such account, following a war, the Gobha king noticed a wetland shaped like a crescent moon and decided to hold a feast on its banks.

“After the war, the Gobha king saw a crescent moon-shaped wetland and decided to organise a feast there. This event later gave rise to the Jonbeel Mela the following year,” said Dipsing Deoraja, the current Royal Gobha King of the community.

The Jonbeel Mela continues to stand as a rare cultural platform that strengthens social bonds and showcases the enduring legacy of Assam’s indigenous traditions.