Homage to Madhusudan
The weeklong Madhu Mela-2012, marking the 188th birth anniversary of the pioneer of Bengali sonnet, Michael Madhusudan Dutta (1824-1873), began at Madhu Mancho premises in Sagordari village under Keshobpur upazila of Jessore district on January 21. Organised by the district administration, the fair is sponsored by Banglalink and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
The programme includes a discussion, attended by eminent artistes and renowned personalities, on the great poet's life and his works. The main attractions for the public are jatra, circus, magic show, jari gaan, kobi gaan, theatre and more every night.
The mela was inaugurated by Advocate Promod Mankin, State Minster for Cultural Affairs. Also present at the inaugural programme as special guests were Advocate Khan Tipu Sultan, MP, Jessore-5; Hedayetullah Al Mamun, secretary, Ministry of Information; H.M. Amir Hossain, Keshobpur Upazila Chairman; Md. Akramudowla, president of Jessore Press Club; A.H.M. Mazharul Islam Montu, Commander, Jessore Muktijoddha Sangsad; Shibli Sadik of Banglalink and Harun-ur-Rashid, president of Sammilitio Sangkritik Jote. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Jessore, presided over the inaugural programme.
A cultural programme was held at the same venue by several national and local cultural organisations.
On the concluding day [January 27], Md. Obaidul Kader, Minister of Communication, will be chief guest at the fair.
Madhu Mancho premises, Kopotakho river area and Sagordari village are wearing a festive look on the occasion. There are about 200 colourful stalls with fascinating goods at the mela along with a ferris wheel for the amusement of children.
Md. Mir Rezaul Hossain, OC, Keshobpur Police Station, said that tight security was in place at the fair, while a mobile team and RAB were making regular rounds throughout the fair.
Michael Madhusudan Dutta (1824-1873), a pioneer of Bengali sonnet and blank verse, was a master playwright and a groundbreaking poet. His last two works were “Hectorbadh” [based on Homer's “Iliad”; written in 1871] and “Mayakanan” [composed in 1873]. He eventually succumbed to illness and passed away in Calcutta General Hospital on June 29, 1873.
Comments