Book Fair swarmed on Falgun, Valentine’s Day
Md Moniruzzaman :
On February 14, a convergence of celebrations-Saraswati Puja, Pahela Falgun, and Valentine’s Day-unfolded, offering a unique and joyous occasion.
Thousands of avid readers flooded the book fair on Wednesday, eagerly occupying the fairground of the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair as soon as the gates opened.
The venues, Bangla Academy premises, and Suhrawardy Udyan, buzzed with visitors, creating a festive atmosphere in celebration of Pahela Falgun, marking the onset of spring, and Valentine’s Day.
From early morning, students and people from diverse backgrounds flocked to the Dhaka University (DU) campus, where elaborate arrangements awaited to welcome the spring and facilitate Saraswati Puja festivities.
Furthermore, the Bosonto Utsab Udzapon committee at the Bakultola of the Fine Arts faculty of DU organized numerous programs across the campus to embrace the arrival of spring.
Festively attired individuals, particularly students clad in Panjabi and Saris, adorned these events.
Following the festivities at DU, crowds swarmed to the book fair, adding vibrancy to the event as the gates opened. Youth and couples, dressed in traditional yellow or orange attire, flooded the fairgrounds.
Sales surged on this day, keeping stall attendants busy showcasing books. Mehedi Hossain, a stall attendant at Oitijjhya Prokashoni, remarked, “Today, the fair saw a much larger crowd than any other day, and sales are also surpassing expectations.”
Many couples and individuals, adorned with floral garlands and traditional attire, were seen enjoying each other’s company while perusing books at the fairgrounds.
Afzal Hossain Tanvir, who attended the book fair with friends and purchased two books, shared, “After celebrating Pahela Falgun at the campus, we headed to the fair. It’s a memorable day for me as I spent it with someone special.”
Like Tanvir, many students wandered the fairgrounds. Visitors noted the challenging task of finding breathing space amidst the dust-laden surroundings, causing exhaustion after a few minutes of exploration.
The warmth of Falgun also graced the new books showcased on this day.
Titles related to Pahela Falgun and Valentine’s Day, including ‘Fagun Bosonta’ and ‘Tobuo Valabasbo’ by Anindya Proksah, ‘Daka Na Holai Valo Hoto’ by Bangla Prokasoni, and others, garnered attention.
Afjal Hossain, Publisher of Anindya Prokash, remarked, “Sales at this year’s book fair have been promising since its inauguration.
Although today’s sales didn’t surpass previous days, the overwhelming number of visitors reflects the fair’s success.”
The fourteenth day of the fair commenced at 3:00 pm and continued until 9 pm, witnessing the release of 91 new titles.
A discussion honoring language movement veteran Gaziul Haque was held at the main stage of the fair at Bangla Academy Premises.