BOOK REVIEW  

Puruliar Lokmela, 
(HB, Ver. Bengali, Page : 114, 2021) 
By : Shibshankar Singh
Publisher : Knowledge Bank Pubs. & Dists. 
Price : Rs. 200.00  

          It is very difficult to review a book which bears similar themes in all the articles contained. The book, under the lens, is a field study- cum social research on Lokmelas of Purulia, presently under the state of West Bengal. Purulia district is situated in the western part of the state and has the rich legacy of melas and festivals since the days of antiquity. Rich deposits under the soil make the area minerally rich beyond imagination, but to a great surprise, the dichotomy that people living in the area are poverty stricken, and mostly live from hand to mouth. But, surprisingly enough, people here are fun loving, jovial and throughout the year, they like to stay engaged in melas and festivals, forgetting their drudgery. The socio-physical, socio- political and socio-economic conditions of the area have enough scope for extensive study. Shibshankar Singh has done that job with great sincerity.
The present book, "Puruliar Lok Mela", published by Knowledge Bank Publishers and Distributors, Kolkata, priced Rs. 200.00 is a thin 114 pages, board bound collection of 35 articles on Lok melas of Purulia. The researcher has undertaken the trouble of visiting the melas, some of which are located in most interior, far flung corners of the district of Purulia, where communication is a big problem. The writer has covered those areas and successfully completed his mission. He has done in depth study on the formation, nature, features and characteristics of the melas and described 29 melas in detail in his book. The melas, mostly seem to be similar  in nature, are still with some inherent differences. These melas are mostly seasonal, perfomed during particular time of the year. Some are ritualistic, some are religious, and others exclusively social gatherings with a purpose. Lok melas of Purulia are mainly associated with agricultural activities of the area. It would not be an exaggeration to say that these lok melas have enormous contributions in the local economy as well as social fabric of the district. Shibshankar Singh has focussed well in these areas in his present book. 
The book is written in the most simple language which the readers will surely appreciate. As the subject matter is very popular, hence the popularity of the book can be expected. Here and there, are some misprints and mistakes in spelling which could be avoided through meticulous proof reading and editing, and the issue could have been a more worthy possession. From "Beror Khelai Chandi mela" to "Bandoyaner Duarsini mela", all these 29 articles are most informative and at the same time entertaining. Besides, there are some informative catalogues and well planned bibliography at the end of the work which will help greatly in quenching the thirst of sincere readers. The Preface and the conclusion are also worth mentioning. The cover page and binding also draw attention. In short, the venture, undertaken by the writer deserves appreciation of readers from all corners, including researchers and serious students.                        
                          

Reviewed by A. K. Pal.