Dhanmondi Shahi Eidgah: A Mughal Era Eidgah

Dhaka was one of the capital cities of the Mughal Empire. Because this 400-year-old city was established and expanded on the bank of the Buriganga River, most of the Mughal archaeological sites were built in the areas near this river. However, some archaeological sites were built in new Dhaka too. One of the archaeological sites built during the Mughal era in new Dhaka is Dhanmondi Shahi Eidgah, which is situated at Dhanmondi residential area. To be more specific, it is placed at Dhanmondi 6/A on Sat Masjid Road in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

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This magnificent Eidgah, which is also known as Mughal Eidgah, was built in 1640 AD by Mir Abul Qasim, a Diwan of Shah Shuja and builder of Bara Katra, upon orders from Shah Shuja, the second son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

During that time, Dhanmondi Shahi Eidgah was far away from the main city. Though there were several Sultanate era Eidgahs in the main city, which is now called old Dhaka, there was no large-sized Eidgah. So, Mir Abul Qasim was looking for a place for Eidgah. Finally, he chose Dhanmondi area. Therefore, the Eidgah was built at Dhanmondi area having been located in an open space somewhere far away from the main city and close to Sat Gambuj Mosque (Seven Domed Mosque). At that time, the communication system, including both waterway and highway, with Sat Gambuj Mosque was good. At that time, a branch of the Pandu River used to flow beside the Eidgah, which would have been connected with the Buriganga River near the present Sat Gambuj Mosque. At the beginning, Subahdar, Nayeb-e-Nazim and elite Mughal officials and their relatives only could say prayer here. General people did not get the opportunity to enter here. Later, the Eidgah was made open for all and devotees from Dhaka and surrounding areas used to come here.

To describe the historical, architectural and heritage value, conservationist architect Abu Sayeed M Ahmed wrote, “This Eidgah is the oldest surviving Mughal monument in Dhaka city. There is no second one with the architectural forms and features similar to it.”

Dhanmondi Shahi Eidgah measures at 145 feet long and 137 feet wide. It is made up of four feet high on land so that it can be protected from flood damage. On four sides of it has an octagonal-shaped tower. There is a three-stepped pulpit on the north-side of the Eidgah, standing where the Imam delivers sermon. The Eidgah is surrounded by 15 feet high wall on four sides. But, at present, only the western wall is at the time of the Mughal period. Central Mihrab is at the center of the western wall. On both sides of the central Mihrab, there are multi-cusped decorated panels. Apart from these, there are two small-sized Mihrabs on both sides. These Mihrabs are situated within the rectangular frame of the walls.

An inspection team of Poribesh Bachao Andolan (POBA) has informed that land grabbers are trying to capture this site. Dhanmondi’s Eidgah ground is a 400-year-old Mughal architectural style. The western side of it has been occupied by building a house in the name of a library.

With proper care and maintenance, it can be one of the most spectacular places for tourists. And it can be done at a low cost. For this, it is very necessary to form a committee consisting of public works division, archaeologist and environmentalist. Without the interference of the government, it is not possible to protect this Mughal heritage site.

Poradaha Mela: A 400-Year-Old Village Fair

Bangladesh is called a diversified country because of its varieties of festivals and fairs celebrated throughout the country. One of the village fairs is Bogra’s ‘Poradaha Mela’, which still exists with all the glory. This almost 400-year-old fair is arranged every year at a place named Poradaha, which is located on the bank of the Ichamati River in Gabtali Upazila of Bogra district. It has still retained its old tradition.

 

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Background:

There is no accurate information since when this fair actually started. But it is said that about four hundred years ago from now, there was a big banyan tree in the fair place. There suddenly appeared a monk. Later, the monks built a monastery there. At one stage, this place turned into a sacred place for the Hindus.

Every year, on the last Wednesday of Magh, people belong to the Hindu community arrange the Sannyasi Puja (worship of monk) in that place. Fans from afar gather here. In the course of time, the presence of people in that place starts to increase.

In this way, Poradaha Mela started. Crossing the boundary of religion, this fair is turned into a union of the people of all religions. It is a day-long fair, but the festive mood remains for seven days. Newly-wed couples and relatives celebrate this festival together. While giving invitation, old and new relations are not considered. Following that tradition, everyone participates in the fair and celebrate. At one time, the monks left the place, but the Hindu community did not stop the Sannyasi Puja. Familiarity of this fair starts to increase gradually. People come from afar to visit the fair. Though this Sannyasi Puja is still celebrated, thousands of people of all religions arrive at the fair.

 

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History behind its’ naming:

This fair began on the occasion of Sannyasi Puja. For this reason, at the first stage, its’ name was Sannyasi Mela (Fair of the monk). This fair is held at Poradaha. According to the local people, the fair has been happening in this place for hundreds of years. Hence, it became known as Poradaha fair. As married girls in the nearby villages come to fathers’ house along with their husbands on the occasion of the fair, many people address it as Jamai Mela (Fair of the groom). Some people call it ‘Fish Fair’ because different species and sizes of fish are found in the fair. Despite being called in different names by different people, it is mainly known to all as Poradaha Fair.

Duration of the fair:

The traditional ‘Poradaha Mela’ is organized every year on the last Wednesday of the Bengali month Magh. It is basically celebrated one day. On that day, people from far distance come to the fair. Though the duration of the fair is one day, it is locally celebrated a week. On the occasion of the fair, relatives gather on each house. On Thursday, the day after the main fair, Bou Mela (Bride’s fair) is organized at the same place and in the surrounding villages at a small range. The main fair is held under the supervision of the government, but Bou Mela is organized by the local villagers. This fair is specially organized for those village women who cannot go to the main fair either for the work pressure or for conservative mentality. The specialty of this fair is that only females can enter and purchase here. The most interesting thing is that shopkeepers are also female.

 

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Things sold in the Fair:

Fish:

The main attraction of this fair is different species of fish. At first, in the morning, large fish are gathered in the temporary storehouses installed in the fair. From there, retailers purchase fish according to their needs and take these to their shops in the fair. Purchase continues whole day in the shops.

Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Boal, Silver Carp, Kali Baush, Pangas, Baghair, Bighead Carp etcetera are notable among different species of fish brining in the fair. Baghair is sold most in the fair. Locally it is called ‘Bagar’ fish. Baghair weighing between 80 kilograms and 100 kilograms is also found in the fair. Besides, Rohu, Catla and Pangas weighing from 15kg to 20kg are also found here.

Furniture:

In the fair, wood, steel and iron made furniture are found at cheap rate.

Cosmetics and gift items:

In the fair, people coming from different districts give shops of high-quality cosmetics and gift items. Children and women usually gather here. There is also found all makeup items including bangles, earring, beads and kajal (Kohl). Among toy items, there are bat, ball, video games etcetera.

Sweets:

Another attraction of this fair is different types of sweets. Rasgulla, Sandesh, Jalebi, Nimki, Tiler Naru (Sesame seeds laddu), Parched rice and dry sweets are found here. More attractions are fish-shaped sweet and large sweets. Each sweet weighs around 1.5 kilograms to two kilograms.

 

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Entertainment:

Alongside shopping, there is enough arrangement for entertainment. For children, there are Nagordola (Ferris Wheel), mini train, horse carriage and circus. For elders, there are motorcycle game, Jatra pala, and cultural programs.

Transportation system:

If you want to visit this traditional fish fair then you will have to travel to Poradaha, which is under Mahishban union of Gabtali Upazila in Bogra district. The only way of going there is bus. From Dhaka, you will have to go to Bogra by bus or private car. From there, you will have to go to Golabari bazar through Fateh Ali Bridge in Chelopara and Chandan Baisha road either by bus or CNG. You will have to take a CNG or auto rickshaw from Golabari CNG stand. They will directly take you to the fair. If you find it hard to get the location then ask the local people. They will help you get the destination.