An aerial view of Howrah Utsav and (below) A two-dimensional Taj Mahal made of straw at the craft stall. Pictures by Anup Bhattacharya

After a brief interval of about a month, Dumurjala Stadium is buzzing again with people. Lights illuminate the stadium as gates and hoardings around Belepole area announce the arrival of Howrah Utsav. Chandernagore lights along Drainage Canal Road display illuminated characters from Abol Tabol and strobe lights from the top of the entrance gate have given the eighth edition of this fair a colourful start. The month-long Howrah Utsav was inaugurated on February 16.

Mango, chocolate and kheer patisaptas at the Pithebilashi stall

A total of 72 stalls have found place at the mela this year. Some new vendors have joined the fair this year. Bata footwear is a new entrant selling discounted footwear at the fair. The stall has stocked up shoes of different ranges. Although winter has gone, the craze for Kashmiri shawls and embroidered salwar kameez and saris has not died. There are many who check out the materials and stoles that start from a minimum of Rs 1,200 or so. Colourful Dhakai saris from Bangladesh and Phulia’s tant cotton and silk saris have many takers this year at the fair.

Howrah Utsav has always had a number of good furniture stalls and over the years, well-known brands from Howrah and Calcutta have participated at the fair. Bookings come in plenty as people take things for their homes or make preparations for the upcoming wedding season. A craft stall of Maa Basanti Thermo Plus has a huge collection of wall hangings of Radha-Krishna, terracotta Ganesha models and attractive decorative items made from straw. A large two-dimensional Taj Mahal and an elephant with a decorative howda on its back, both made from straw, are on display at the stall. Dokra articles are also being sold from this stall. A lot of home décor options are available at the Howrah fair. A Rajasthani stall selling colourful door hangings and other items has found place at the fair. Carpets have come all the way from Varanasi. Kitchen utensils, induction cookers and other kitchenware are being sold from stalls of various brands. Another stall is selling north Bengal’s special Tulaipanji rice for Rs 70 per kg.

A dokra model of a rickshaw at Maa Basanti Thermo Plus stall

Trinkets, bead earrings, necklaces and costume jewellery can be found in plenty at the fair. Hair clips and other accessories are always a favourite among young girls.

An elephant made of straw

Food stalls are also aplenty at Howrah Utsav this year. Apart from the chat, phuchka, ghugni, bhelpuri and other street food kiosks, there are some new additions to the fair this year. Expert cook and pithe specialist Nabanita Chakraborty has given a special creative pithe stall at the fair this year. Different types of pithe – mango flavoured, chocolate flavoured even chicken, mutton and fish patisaptas are available at the stall. Langchas from Shaktigarh’s Langcha Kuthi were a special draw for the visitors.

Browsing through Kashmiri shawls and saris

Children also have a lot to look forward to. A special 3D show for children on dinosaurs and animals has been arranged. A huge giant wheel, merry go rounds, bumping cars, spider rides, jumping castles and a variety of rides are popular here.

Cultural programmes have also been slated for each day of the fair. The stage this year has been dedicated to Suchitra Sen. A sit-and-draw competition took place on March 3 and a go-as-you like for the little ones was scheduled for March 6. Singing and dance competitions will happen after the board exams. Women’s Day was celebrated on March 4 at the fair where local women participated in games like musical chairs, breaking the pot and also a cooking competition. Howrah Utsav’s popular dog show will take place on March 12.

Rajasthani beaded costume jewellery being sold at the fair

Weekends are busy days at the fair as most people do their shopping at Howrah Utsav. “I generally visit the fair in the evenings, but I will definitely try to come with my family in the weekend,” said Madhumita Das, a resident of Tantipara Lane.

Dalia Mukherjee