The second edition of Matir Mela was inaugurated at Barasat in the presence of Agnimitra Paul, fashion designer and legislator, and Tirtha Bhattacharya, folk singer. This is the second edition of this fair where craftsmen and artisans across the Bengal participated.

Last year Matir Mela was a four-day event. This year the fair will be for ten days.

The pandemic has left the artisans in a bad economic shape. With Matir Mela, the socio-economic development of the artisans will be taken care of. This year, the fair has 41 stalls.

Matir Mela will feature products made of clay, jute, handmade paper, plants, mats, handmade perfume, Khadi, Saree, handmade jewelry, etc.

10 ‘Covid-Warriors’ will be felicitated during this fair. Blankets and sarees will be distributed to the destitute people around the Barasat area.

During the ten days, live Baul and Chau performances will keep the visitors engaged. ‘Gaacher Jonnyo Gaan’, a street-performing band will perform at this fair and they will spend the entire money collected from the listeners on a mangrove forest in Sundarbans.

On the inaugural day, renowned folk singer Tirtha Bhattacharya and his team performed. Srabani Sen, Indrani Sen, Dohar, and Theatre Group Lokokrishti will perform at this fair.

Matir Mela will continue till 2^nd January 2022.

Priyanka Dutta