The fish fair in Jagannathpur once again turned into a lively celebration of local culture and commerce, with fish worth nearly Tk 10 million traded within a single day.
Stepping into the fair, visitors were greeted by rows of stalls displaying an impressive variety of large indigenous fish. Traders from distant areas brought their prized catches, most of them noticeably large in size. Small fish were almost nowhere to be seen. Instead, the stalls showcased hefty boal, rohu, catla, mrigel, silver carp and pangash.
Prices varied depending on size, starting from Tk 1,000 and reaching as high as Tk 75,000 for the largest fish. Alongside farmed varieties, rare river fish such as baghair, ayre, gang chital and kaikka, as well as a few marine species, also made their way to the fair. Buyers were seen bargaining enthusiastically, adding to the buzz of the event.
The day-and-night fair was held on Sunday (January 11) at Mirpur Bazar in Jagannathpur upazila of Sunamganj.
According to organisers, the Jagannathpur Fish Fair is held every year in the winter, usually in January. the fair was first introduced nine years ago by late businessman Faisal Miah of Mirpur Bazar. Continuing that legacy, the Mirpur Bazar Business Committee organised the fair for the ninth time this year.
People from Jagannathpur, neighbouring Bishwanath upazila of Sylhet, and even more distant areas flocked to the market. The fair created a festive atmosphere across nearly 30 surrounding villages. This year, however, the presence of expatriate Bangladeshis was particularly noticeable, making the fair even more vibrant and boosting sales.
UK expatriate Abdus Shahid Taklish Miah, who came to buy fish, said, “The size of the fish here is something you don’t even find in London. Fresh river and haor fish of this size are rare. That’s why I wait for this fair every year and plan my visit home around it.”
Another expatriate buyer, Azizur Rahman, said that while fish supply was higher than last year, prices had also gone up slightly. “Seeing so many buyers and visitors feels good. These village festivals are slowly disappearing. Taking part in such events brings peace amid our busy lives, which is why we return home,” he said.
Fish trader Amir Ali said customers showed more interest in local and medium-sized fish this year. Meanwhile, Mirpur Bazar Business Committee secretary Shafiquddin said more large fish were sold compared to last year, with over a hundred stalls set up and total sales reaching nearly Tk 10 million.
Committee president Badsha Mia said the fair is gaining popularity every year. “It has now become a historic local festival. We are committed to organising it annually,” he added.