BIRBHUM: Joydeb Mela, one of the biggest festivals on folk songs, will not be held this year due to the pandemic. Given the rise in Covid cases, the district administration has decided to cancel the fair at Kenduli village, around 30km from Santiniketan.
However, the ritual of taking “holy dip” in the Ajay river will be allowed amidst Covid protocols.
Ayan Nath, SDO, Bolpur said, “No makeshift akhara (pandals for folk performances) or stalls will be set up. The fair on the river bank or in the surrounding area will not be organised but limited number of people will be allowed to take holy dip in the river following restrictions. ”