Agartala, 15th May 2026: The much-awaited traditional Charak Mela and Gajan Festival commenced on Thursday evening at the premises of Melaghar Tilla School in Kakraban subdivision. The two-day state-level celebration has been jointly organized by the Department of Information & Cultural Affairs, Kakraban RD Block, Gomati Zilla Parishad, and several other departments.
The festival, which carries a legacy of over 61 years, was formally inaugurated by Gomati Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Debal Debroy, who lit the ceremonial lamp as the chief guest. The event was graced by MLA Jitendra Majumder, Udaipur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pradip Sarkar, social worker Biswajit Sarkar, Kakraban Gram Panchayat Pradhan Priyatosh Sarkar, and Assistant Director of the District Information & Cultural Affairs Department Tinku Biswas, among other dignitaries.
In his address, Debal Debroy highlighted the cultural significance of the festival, stating, “Charak Mela and Gajan Festival are invaluable treasures of Bengal’s folk heritage. They are not merely religious rituals but symbols of social unity, culture, and age-old traditions. This 61-year-old Kakraban fair continues to inspire fraternity and preserve our heritage.” He assured that the administration would remain committed to enriching this tradition further.
The Sabhadhipati also underscored the government’s support for all sections of society, citing the example of financial assistance extended to the family of late Nimai Das, a Kakraban resident who had tragically drowned a few years ago. A cheque of ₹4 lakh was handed over to his widow Rina Das, drawing attention from the audience.
The inaugural session began with a welcome speech by Kakraban BDO Alindya Dutta Majumder and concluded with a vote of thanks by Kakraban Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Supriya Saha.
Over the next two days, the festival will feature Charak Puja rituals, Gajan ceremonies, folk culture exhibitions, and traditional fair activities. The Kakraban area has already turned festive, with crowds of visitors arriving from nearby villages and distant regions, creating a vibrant atmosphere of devotion and celebration.
