Asaduzzaman Noor speaks at the inauguration ceremony. Photo: Star

A fortnight-long Jasim Palli Mela, a village fair to pay homage to eminent folk poet Jasim Uddin, began at Jasim Udyan at the site of poet's ancestral home of Govindapur village under Ambikapur union in Faridpur on Saturday afternoon.
The traditional fair was inaugurated by Minister for cultural affairs Asaduzzaman Noor as chief guest, marking the 111th birth anniversary of poet Jasimuddin.
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Khandaker Mosharraf was special guest on the occasion.
The inaugural function, was jointly organised by Faridpur District Administration and Jasim Foundation, and presided over by DC of Faridpur, Abu Hena Morshed Zaman.
As chief guest, Asaduzzam Noor said, “Jasimuddin enriched the Bengali literature with modern writings with reflections of pastoral and bucolic beauty. Jasimuddin did not believe in communalisms which reflect in his writings.”
About two hundred stalls have been set up at Jasim Udyan -- adjacent to the bank of river Kumar -- with various products, mostly rural-oriented and traditional, for display and sale.
The fair offers visitors a variety of entertainment, including recitation, dance, folk songs Jari Gaan, Kobi Gaan, Lalon Geeti, puppet shows and circus. Delectable items of food and sweets are being sold. The fair will continue till February 8.