The 518-year-Old Fish Fair Of Bandel, From Rohu-Katla To Chital-Mrigel, Still Draws Fish Lovers Today

 Rohu, Katla, Hilsa, Bhetki, and even tiny fish — the variety is endless. Crowds gather in massive numbers, not just from the local area but from distant places as well, to indulge in this grand fish-buying extravaganza. But this isn’t just a marketplace; it’s something far more enchanting — a fish fair! Believe it or not, this delightful event is real, and it’s more than just buying and selling. Adjacent to the fairground, under the lush canopy of mango orchards, people fry and savor their freshly bought fish. 

 

(Representative Image) The 518-year-Old Fish Fair Of Bandel

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From giant catfish to dried fish, there’s hardly anything you can’t find here. Rohu, Catla, Hilsa, Bhetki, Shank fish, and even massive crabs of varying sizes flood the stalls. The fish fair, held at Kestopur in Devanandpur near Bandel, Hooghly, is a spectacle that begins the day after Poush Sankranti and continues to stir excitement across the region. Fish weighing up to 50 kilograms are sold here! This vibrant gathering has been held for a staggering 518 years, making it steeped in history and tradition.  

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The Fair’s Roots in Devotion  

The fish fair traces its origins to the house of Raghunath Das Goswami, one of the closest disciples of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Legend has it that Raghunath’s father, Govardhan Goswami, a local zamindar, organized the first-ever fair to celebrate his son’s return home after a spiritual journey.  

At just 15 years old, Raghunath left home to take initiation from Nityananda, a revered follower of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, in Panihati. However, he was asked to return and undergo a test of devotion. Nine months later, when Raghunath came back home, his father was overjoyed and decided to host a grand feast for the villagers.  

To test his devotion, the villagers made an unusual request — they asked for raw mango curry and Hilsa fish. Raghunath instructed the villagers to pluck two mangoes from a nearby tree and cast a fishing net into the adjacent pond. Miraculously, they found two perfectly paired mangoes and a pair of Hilsa fish! This divine incident left the villagers awe-struck and solidified their belief in Raghunath’s spiritual power.  

A Tradition That Lives On 

 

Since then, every year, devotees gather at the Radha-Govinda Temple to offer prayers and organize the fish fair. Held on the first day of Magh (a Bengali month), this fair attracts fish vendors from across Hooghly, Burdwan, Howrah, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and even Bankura. Fish from ponds, rivers, and the sea fill the stalls, with prices ranging from ₹500 to ₹1500 per kilogram.  

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The magic doesn’t end with just buying fish. In the adjacent mango grove, visitors cook and enjoy their fish, turning the fair into a community celebration filled with joy, laughter, and the aroma of delicious dishes.  

This centuries-old tradition, rooted in devotion and community spirit, continues to captivate hearts, blending history, faith, and festivity in the most delightful way. It’s not just a fair; it’s a celebration of life itself, where every bite of fish carries the taste of heritage and wonder.