Faridpur observes 123rd birth anniversary of poet Jasimuddin with tributes, discussions, and cultural programmes. Photo : BSS

FARIDPUR, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) - The 123rd birth anniversary of eminent poet Jasimuddin, popularly known as Palli Kabi, was observed today in Faridpur with various programmes.

The programmes included paying tributes by laying wreaths at the poet's grave in Gobindapur village of Ambikapur Union on the bank of the Kumar River on the outskirts of Faridpur town. A discussion and doa mahfil were arranged by the district administration in the morning.

Another programme was held at the poet's mausoleum at Ambikapur, attended by Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamrul Hasan Mollah, Superintendent of Police Md. Nazrul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Torab Hossain, Additional Deputy Commissioners Ramananda Paul and Sushmita Saha, Professor M A Samad, poet and litterateur Mofiz Imam Milon, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Meshkatul Jannat Rabeya, District Cultural Officer Saiful Hasan Milon, Faridpur Press Club President Kabirul Islam Siddique, General Secretary Mahbub Hossain Piyal, and other distinguished personalities of the district.

Various cultural and social organizations also paid floral tributes. Later, a milad and doa mahfil was held seeking eternal peace for the poet's departed soul.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said, "If we can embrace the simplicity and rural essence reflected in the poet's creations, and practice them in society, our society and country will become more beautiful. We want the next generation to understand and glorify the poet through his works."

In his poetry, Jasimuddin skillfully portrayed the joys and sorrows of rural people in simple and lucid language. Through his literary works, he presented rural rivers, fields, nature, the lives of the Bede community, and village traditions and culture to the world. 

His notable works, known for capturing rural Bengal's essence, include Nakshi Kanthar Math (The Field of the Embroidered Quilt) and Sojan Badiar Ghat, alongside early collections such as Rakhali, dramas like Beder Meye, and folk music compilations such as Jari Gaan. His popular poem Kabar has also been included in textbooks.

Jasimuddin was born on this day in 1903 at his maternal grandfather's house in Tambulkhana village of Kaijuri Union on the outskirts of Faridpur town. His father, Ansar Uddin Mollah, was a school teacher, and his mother, Amina Khatun, was also known as Rangachhut. 

He studied at Faridpur Welfare School and later at Faridpur Zilla School, passing the Entrance Examination in 1921. He completed his BA and MA in Bangla from the University of Calcutta in 1929 and 1931, respectively.

He married Momtaz Begum in 1939, and the couple had three sons-Dr. Jamal Anwar, Khurshid Anwar, and Anwar Hasu. Jasimuddin received the Ekushey Padak in 1976 and passed away on March 14 of the same year.