Dhalkebar, Feb. 11: A month-long Makarsankranti fair is held in Dhanushadham which is 18 kilometers northeast of Janakpurdham, both domestic and foreign tourists visit this month-long fair held in the month of Magh. Pilgrims from Dhanusha, Mahottari, Siraha, Saptari, Sindhuli and Indian border regions come to observe this religious fair. 

Even though the fair has lost its originality, the transaction of bay leaves has increased significantly. Mukesh Kumar Thakur, a local media person said that trading of bay leaves has increased in the fair, surpassing the transaction of their other items.

He said that the bay leaves, which are used in cooking and domestic medicine, are the main attraction of this fair organised every year. “Most of the people who come to the fair buy bay leaves. Apart from that, the business of sweet potatoes, Dhupi and agricultural and domestic tools looked good,” he said.

Advisor of the Dhanushadham Fair Management Committee Chalitar Mahato, who is also a bay leaf trader, said that there has been a turnover of bay leaf worth Rs. 10 million to date. Stating that they are purchasing bay leaf from the Udayapur district, he said, “Around 2,400 quintals of bay leaf have been sold.”

It is believed that an additional bay leaf worth Rs. 10 million will be sold. He informed that more than one ton of bay leaves was sold last year as well.

Sarita Mahato of Dhalkebar said that she bought bay leaves at the fair because of the quality and the aroma they possess, and they are cheaper compared to other places, so she purchased bay leaves enough for a year. Stating that there is a separate market for bay leaves, he said that more than 20 retailers and wholesalers are doing business separately at the fair.