Dubla Rash Mela is not only a big fair for Bagerhat, it is undoubtedly one of the biggest fairs in the country. At the centre of the festival are twenty thousand temporary fishermen who are engaged in catching and drying fish on Dubla and nearby islands. In the Bangla month of Agrahayan every year, the fair continues for 5-7 days during full moon time. Dubla Rash Mela is not only a big fair for Bagerhat, it is undoubtedly one of the biggest fairs in the country. At the centre of the festival are twenty thousand temporary fishermen who are engaged in catching and drying fish on Dubla and nearby islands. In the Bangla month of Agrahayan every year, the fair continues for 5-7 days during full moon time. Dubla Island stands on the Bay of Bengal and is a part of the SundarbanForest. The fair on the Dubla island was started in 1923 by Hari Bhajan, a disciple of Thakur Hari Chand, The life of Hari Bhajan was very extraordinary. During his stay in Sundarbans for twenty-four years, he lived on the fruits of the forest. He had many disciples in nearby villages. One of his notable works was to start the Dubla Rash Mela during the Rash Purnima. To celebrate the occasion and keep alive the memory of Thakur Hari Chand, the devotees, especially the fishermen of the Sundarbans, organise this five-day fair. This has become a grand occasion for many foreign tourists visiting the Sundarbans and people come from India as well. Around 40-50 thousand people join the celebrations every year. Handicrafts and precious wooden items are put on sale.

How To Go

Direct bus service is available between Dhaka and Khulna. It may take 7-8 hours to reach Khulna to Mongla by bus 2-3 hours. From Mongla one has to hire a small engine boat or launches to reach Dublar Char 10-12 hours.