400-year-old Kenduli Joydev fair starts today, drawing devotees to Birbhum

• Kenduli Joydev fair begins, attracting devotees to the Ajay River banks for the Joydev Kenduli Mela
• Rooted in tradition, the fair features rituals, terracotta work, and statues at the 400-year old Radha Vinoda temple
• Tight security measures, including police deployment, CC cameras, and drone surveillance, ensure a peaceful gathering

The centuries-old tradition of the Kenduli Joydev fair has begun, drawing a multitude of devotees to the banks of the Ajay River in Birbhum. The annual Joydev-Kenduli Mela, held on Makar Sankranti, sees devotees partaking in a holy bath in the Ajay river, while traditional Radhabinos form long queues to offer prayers at the Radha-Vinoda temple established in 1683 by King Kirtichandra of Burdwan.

The fair, rooted in the essence of poet Jaidev's Baul-fakirs, showcases the cultural richness with rituals, terracotta work, and statues of various deities adorning the 400-year-old temple.

The historic Joydev Mela, originally known as Baul-Fakir's Mela, is organised against the backdrop of the 400-year-old Radha-Vinoda temple, housing intricate terracotta depictions of myths and statues of gods and goddesses. Devotees, defying the cold, participate in the customary Makar Sankranti river bath and offer prayers at the temple.

This year's fair witnesses tight security measures, with over 2,600 police personnel deployed, including officers of DIG, SP, and SDPO ranks. More than 100 CC cameras, a watchtower, and drone camera surveillance enhance security, ensuring a peaceful gathering. The administration has permitted around 300 temporary arenas, alongside the existing ones, accommodating 650 stalls in the fair. To address sanitation needs, over 1,000 temporary latrines have been set up on the riverbanks. The traditional Joydev fair, a cultural extravaganza, is set to continue until Wednesday.