Araria's 200-Year 'Dosti Ka Mela' Thrives on Fariyani River Banks

• Araria's Raniganj hosts the 200-year-old 'Dosti Ka Mela' on Paush Purnima, a unique tradition of forming lifelong friendships by bathing in the Fariyani River.
• The tradition originated between 1780-1800 during Maharani Indravati's rule, where people bathed with her at Yamun Ghat, fostering bonds.
• Despite fairgrounds shrinking from 100-150 acres to a few, its popularity for affordable wooden furniture and household items remains high.
• The fair is crucial for middle and poor families, offering complete wedding gift sets (beds, wardrobes, etc.) for 15,000-20,000 rupees.
• Carpenters from various districts set up stalls, providing wooden goods at low prices, fulfilling both traditional and practical needs.

Why It Matters: Araria's 'Dosti Ka Mela' preserves a 200-year friendship tradition while offering affordable wooden goods.