Children, guardians, and delegates at the inauguration ceremony of Shishu Mela (children's fair) at the ground of Brahmanbaria Industrial School yesterday. Photo: STAR

A different type of children's fair (Shishu Mela) was held here yesterday where at least 6,000 children took part in a jovial mood.

Held at the Industrial School playground here, the fair was organized by Brahmanbaria District Information Office. It was aimed at making people aware about children so that they can rear up as intelligent people.

Events like Dress As You Like, songs and music, recitations, rhymes, acting, jocks, painting competitions and extempore speech were organized where children participated with much enthusiasm. At least 100 to 120 competitors participated in each competition.

A special event was organized for disabled children. At least 70 disabled children took part at a painting competition.

A large number of children of different schools and kindergartens along with their guardians and teachers gathered at National Hero Abdul Kuddus Makhan Mukta Manch ground at Tankerpar here in the morning. They carried banners, posters, placards, festoons and colourful flags with them. From there a large procession was brought out at about 10 in the morning. Processionists paraded the main streets of the town. When the children were passing through the streets in procession with rhythmical slogans and playing musical instruments, passers-by and shopkeepers waved them.

The main venue of fair was decorated with a big colourful pandel. About 20 stalls of books, art and craft and other products were erected there. Primary School Teachers' Training Institute (PTI), BRAC, Directorate of Women Affairs also opened stalls. There was a stall for counseling the children and women on different issues.

The fair and children's competitions started after an inaugural address given by Md Azizul Alam, additional deputy commissioner of Brahmanbaria who chaired the opening session.

Sapon Kumar Bhaumik, director of Mass Communication Department, was present as chief guest.

Among others, Md Hafijur Rahman Mollah Kachi, chairman of Brahmanabira Pourasabha; Md Jahirul Islam Chowdhury, ASP (Sadar circle) of Brahmanbaria police; Juhura Begum, upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) of Brahmanbaria Sadar, AKM Jahirul Islam, acting district information officer of Brahmanbaria, Abdul Manna Sarker, secretary of Ustad Alauddin Sangitangan and journalist Muhammad Musa addressed.

Earlier, they also participated in the procession.