East Bardhaman's Ancient Gopal Das Babaji Fair Begins, Attracting Millions

• The traditional Gopal Das Babaji's Fair has commenced in Dadhia village, Ketugram 1 Block, East Bardhaman, following old customs.
• Held annually the day after Makuri Saptami, it is one of the largest and oldest fairs in East Bardhaman, drawing Vaishnava devotees from Birbhum, Nadia, and Murshidabad.
• The fair commemorates Gopal Das Babaji's 'Anna Mahotsav' during the 1176 Bengali calendar famine, where he distributed food for nearly a month.
• Historically, the fair was a marketplace for cattle, horses, and elephants; today, it offers various household items like wooden furniture and earthenware.
• Adequate police, civic volunteers, drinking water, and lighting facilities have been arranged for the security and convenience of millions of visitors.

Why It Matters: East Bardhaman's ancient Gopal Das Babaji Fair, rooted in tradition and charity, draws millions annually.