Composition | Ekushey Book Fair
The Ekushey Book Fair is a big event where books are showcased and sold. It takes place every year in February and is organized by the Bangla Academy. Many new books are released during this time, and people visit the fair to find books written by their favorite authors. It's not just a fair, but also a festival for book lovers and cultural enthusiasts. People express their emotions through poetry and songs, inspired by their love for their mother tongue. This fair is unique and one-of-a-kind in the entire world.
The Ekushey Book Fair starts on February 1st and goes on for the entire month. Temporary stalls are set up in rows around the venue. Only publishers who have already published a sufficient number of books are allowed to have a stall. The size and location of the stall are determined through a lottery system. The stalls are made with bamboo structures, jute carpets, and cloth. They are decorated with colorful designs and have the name of the publishing house displayed on top, which attracts visitors.
Books written by both old and new generation writers are displayed and sold at the fair. There is a wide variety of books catering to readers of all ages. There are books for adults, young people, teenagers, and even children. You can find books like novels, poems, dramas, and comics. There are also research books available in both Bangla and English. The Bangla Academy has its own stall at the fair, a temporary one next to its permanent sales center. Creative books are showcased there.
The fair is always crowded with people, especially during holidays. It remains open from morning until night on Fridays, when families visit the fair with their children. The first part of Friday is reserved for children, accompanied by their guardians. During this time, children's books sell well. Although there are other events happening in the city on that day, the book fair becomes the main attraction.
Books are the main focus of the fair, but there are also many cultural activities taking place. Poetry recitals and musical performances are held on the Bangla Academy stage, showcasing the traditions of the nation. Baul and other folk songs are performed to entertain the crowd. Discussions on literature and culture are held throughout the month of February. Famous writers and intellectuals give lectures to enlighten the audience. One of the highlights is the ceremony where Ekushey Padaks are awarded to recipients, attended by the top intellectuals of the country.
There are food stalls within the fair premises where people can enjoy various fast food items like chatpati, phuchka, singara, and moglai. Tea, coffee, and soft drinks are also available. Outside the main book stalls area, many vendors gather and sell their products, including bangles, handicrafts, and other fancy goods. They also sell various toys for children. On the road outside Bangla Academy, you can find pirated copies of books being sold at cheap prices.
The Ekushey Book Fair holds a special place in the hearts of the younger generation. It is always an appealing place for them. They eagerly visit the fair for knowledge and to socialize. Going to the book fair with family and friends feels like an adventure for young people. Sometimes, young couples come here to give books to each other, intensifying their emotions. They wander around the stalls, engaging in endless conversations.
At the Ekushey Book Fair, there is a dedicated area for "little magazines" where all kinds of small publications are sold. Enthusiasts of these magazines gather there and chat with each other. Young poets often frequent this spot and engage in debates about the latest forms of poetry. There is also a place called "Lekhok Kunja" where writers sit and interact with readers. When new books arrive, they are often unveiled here amidst great applause. The information booth of the Bangla Academy announces the arrival of new books through a microphone.
The book fair is a symbol of pride for a civilized and educated nation like Bangladesh. Although it is a developing country, it still holds onto this glory. The Ekushey Book Fair is organized every year to honor the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives for their mother tongue, which eventually led to the independence of Bangladesh. In February, the entire nation wakes up to the magnificence of the Ekushey Book Fair. The Bangla Academy square comes alive with the presence of book lovers.