KISHOREGANJ, Oct 1: The traditional 'Dhak-Dhol (musical instrument) Haat' began on Tuesday at Puran Bazaar near Katiadi Press Club in Katiadi Upazila of the district for two days ahead of the Durga Puja.
It is known that in the 15th century, a local King Raja Nabaratna Roy first organised the Durga Puja in his palace near Katabon Dighi, two miles away from Katiadi Sadar. The king used to send massage to different kings and landlords and invited them to enjoy the Durga Puja festivity at the palace. The performers used to come here to sell their products and also to perform dancing to give amusement to the devotees.
Later, the puja venue was shifted to the resident of Hari Kishore Roy Chowdhury, the forefather of great filmmaker Satyajit Ray, at Musua Union in the upazila. At that time, the performers used to come by boat and assemble at Jatra Bari, on the bank of the Brahmaputra River.
But, due to the increase in the number of puja mandaps, conflict arose amongst the landlords. As a result, the puja venue was shifted to Katiadi Sadar.
At the market, the artisans charge Tk 50,000 to 1 lakh for making per puja mandap, Tk 10,000 against per dhak, Tk 5,000 against per dhol, and Tk 4,000 to 6,000 against per handmade flute.
Katiadi Municipality Mayor Showkat Hossain Shukkur, Upazila Chairman Md Mostakur Rahman and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Israt Jahan Keya said, they offer enough security to hold this historic event in a peaceful manner every year.
Lawmaker of Kishoreganj-2 Constituency Nur Mohammad said, "This festivity is our heritage and pride. I will arrange permanent immersion point for Durga idol. As there is no particular place for this, it is now held on Katiadi Degree College field."
