Ekushey book fair becomes vibrant with huge crowds

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DHAKA, Feb 2, 2019 (BSS) – The Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2019 wore a festive
look with a vibrant presence of book lovers, projecting diversified Bangla
literature and different forms of art and culture.

With huge enthusiasm and curiosity, thousands of visitors of all ages
flocked to different stalls and pavilions to find out books of their beloved
writers.

On the first day of Shishu Prohor (children’s hour) at Amar Ekushey Book
Fair today, the fairground was buzzing with children as the fair has
dedicated four hours –11:00am to 3:00pm — specially for children on every
Friday and Saturday.

Children seemed to be enjoying themselves as they were playing, buying
books and taking pictures with the characters of Sisimpur at Shishu Chhattar,
a platform that has been dedicated to children in the fair for learning and
playing at the same time.

Friday and Saturday being the holidays attracts more visitors than the
working days. For the first time, visitors will be enjoying the Glass tower
at Suhrawardi Uddyan and Shikha Anirban as the fair added the places for
stalls.

Book lovers’ rising interest in creative books are said to be the reason
of the book fair getting bigger each year as a total of 770 stalls of
publication houses under 24 pavilions will be set up in the book fair
covering an area of 3 lakh square feet. Apart from this, there will be 155
stalls at Little Magazine Chattar.

A mancha (stage) for holding publication ceremonies and programmes on
unveiling covers of the books has been installed at Suhrawardy Udyan, while
discussions and seminars will be held every day on the main mancha erected on
the Bangla Academy premises.

A separate gate has been set up for entrance of writers, litterateurs, poets
and senior personalities of different sectors, including civil society
members and dignitaries.

Two main entry gates have been erected at Teacher-Students’ Centre (TSC) of
Dhaka University and Doyel Chattar. Besides, there will be three paths on the
Bangla Academy premises, while six entrance and exit routes in Suhrawardy
Udyan.

The book fair will remain open for all from 3 pm to 9 pm on working days and
8:30 am to 9 pm on government holidays with a one-hour break for lunch and
offering prayers. It will continue till February 28.