Memory of Shidhu-Kanu rejuvenated

All over Bangladesh especially in the northern districts live around two and half lacs of Santals. Alone in Thakurgaon live around 40,000 Santals. These Santals are a very integral part of our national population rather than just a separate indigenous community. Starting from the mass-upsurge of Tebhaga to the country's Liberation War, the Santals have extended their solidarity, contribution and participation.

Among the Santal revolutions against repression the most important are those taking place during 1885-1886. Shidhu and Kanu, along with two other brothers, Chand and Bhairab, were the pioneers in this rebellion. With them in the lead, around 30,000 Santals took part in a mass walking across the Damnadihi Khel plain-land in Birbhum towards Calcutta. In fact, it was the first such incident in the history of India.

Brave Shidhu and Kanu were killed in the revolution. But their spirit still lives among the hundreds of thousands of living Santals. And the fair is held each year to revive that spirit among the Santal community so that the indigenous heritage--language, culture and lifestyle--lives through generations.

Arranged by Gidri Bauli, the fair features football match, art-camp, swimming contest, songs and dance competition. Besides competition of different Santal cultural activities like Santali traditional dance, stage drama, Santali film shows and archery competition, also characterise the fair. In addition to these, this year's fair also feature three-day long medical and dental camp.