The two-day celebration, jointly organised by Bangladesh Abritti Samannoy Parishad, Rajshahi Abritti Parishad and cultural organisation Swanan, was held at Ghoramara Padma Mancha with the slogan "Jai, Alok Arunodoy, Jai".

Individuals and different recitation forums from Naogaon, Bogra, Rangpur, Satkhira, Rajshahi and adjacent districts, participated in the programmes.

Renowned litterateurs Professor Hasan Azizul Haq and Ruhul Amin Pramanik inaugurated the festival.

"It is cultural identity that divides people into nations around the globe. People get a new lease of life observing festivals, celebrating their own cultures and heritage," Professor Hasan said in his inaugural speech.

Professor Hasan then led a rally going through city streets heralding the celebration.

The festival celebration committee convenor Mohammad Kamal presided over the session. Among others attending the festival were Hasan Arif, assistant general secretary of Dhaka Sammilito Sangskritik Jote; Ahkamullah and Sharif Ahmed Bintu, secretary of Bangladesh Abritti Samannoy Parishad.

Later in the afternoon, Swanan units at Rajshahi University and Rangpur, Kathak of Nageswari and several individuals recited poems at the Padma Mancha.

Dristy of Bogra, Abritti Parshad of Naogaon, Sampratik Abritti Sangsad and Protiddhoni of Satkhira, Sundorom and Abritti Parishad of Rajshahi and others also presented recitals on April 28.

Some 70 participants took part at workshops during the two-day festival.

Similar poetry festivals were held at Monishura in Khulna division, Narayanganj in Dhaka division and will be held at Comilla in Chittagong region soon.