A ten-day 'Baishakhi Mela' (fair), jointly organised by Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) and Bangla Academy, at Bangla Academy premises, Dhaka has recently ended. Marking Pahela Baishakh 1419 (the Bangla New Year), the fair began on April 13. This year, the fair offered exquisite traditional handicrafts such as wicker and bamboo baskets; pottery and decorative items made of clay and shola (reed); bangles; beautiful hand fans; hand-woven fabric; household knick-knacks; food items and much more -- drawing a good number of visitors everyday. A puppet show and traditional rides including chorki kept the children entertained. Added attraction was musical programme -- featuring traditional Bangla songs -- at the Nazrul Mancho every evening. The BSCIC Baishakhi fair was initiated in the early 1980s. Photo: Mumit M.