Staff Reporter, Kishoreganj :
The 500-year old traditional Dhak-Dhol haat (market for selling musical instrument) sits for seven days ahead of Durga Puja at Katiadi municipality of Kishoreganj.
It is known that, in the 15th century, local Raja Nabaratna Roy was first to organise Durga Puja at his own palace near Katabon Dhigi, two miles away from Katiadi Sadar. The king used to invite different kings and landlords to enjoy Durga Puja festivity at his own palace. The musicians used to come here to sell their products and also to perform to give amusement to the devotees of the Durga Puja.
Later, the Durga Puja was shifted to the resident of Hari Kishore Roy Chowdhury, the forefather of great filmmaker Satyajit Ray at Musua union in Katiadi upazila. At that time, musicians used to come by boat and assemble at Jatra Bari, on the bank of the Brahmaputra River.
But, as the celebration of the Durga Puja festival spread, conflict arose amongst the landlords. As a result, it is now held at Katiadi upazila headquarters.
The musicians here usually charge Tk 50,000 to Tk 1 lakh for performing at puja mandap. The artisans sell each piece of Dhak at Tk 10,000, each Dhol at Tk 5,000 and each hand-made flute at Tk 5000 to 7500. Former IGP and Senior Secretary Noor Mohammad MP said the 500-years old Dhak dhol haat has retained the tradition in katiadi. This festivity is our heritage and pride. We will fill proud it.
