Traditional Cattle Fair thrives ahead of Eid in Tripura's Boxanagar

The historic cattle market of Boxanagar in Sonamura subdivision has come alive once again as preparations intensify for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha (Qurbani Eid). 

On Sunday, May 24, the sprawling grounds of Boxanagar Higher Secondary School will host the grand fair, continuing a tradition that draws buyers and sellers from across Tripura.

Local MLA Tofazzal Hossain, along with market committee leaders including Pintu Kumar Deb and Bulti Deb, visited the site on Friday night to review arrangements. Organizers have introduced several new measures this year to ensure smooth functioning — bamboo enclosures for livestock, rest sheds, drinking water facilities, and traffic management plans in coordination with the administration.

Market committee secretary Pintu Kumar Deb described the fair as a shining example of Hindu-Muslim harmony, noting that people of all faiths extend support during each other’s festivals. Long-time cattle trader Babul Mia praised the improved organization, saying he had never seen such orderly arrangements in decades of business.

According to the committee, nearly 1,000 to 1,500 cattle are expected to arrive from different parts of Tripura. The fair is jointly managed by a committee comprising both Hindu and Muslim members, reinforcing the spirit of unity.

Addressing reporters, MLA Tofazzal Hossain extended advance Eid greetings to the Muslim community and highlighted Boxanagar’s legacy of communal harmony. “Here temples stand beside mosques, and people live together as one. We want to show that beyond religion, we are all Indians,” he said, adding, “Where Ram is, Rahim will be; where Rekha is, Rabia will be.”