Mahadev Saha at the “carnival of alphabets”

Mahadev Saha, one of the leading romantic poets in contemporary Bengali literature, is characterised by mystery. He has added a new dimension to Bangla poetry and started writing in the early 1960s. Saha is offering nine new publications at the ongoing Ekushey Boi Mela.
The four new books of poems by Saha are: “Kabya Samagro -- Pancham Khondo” (from Ananya Publications), “Nirbachito Tinsho Kobita” (Akkhor Prokashoni), “Bhalobashar Lyric” (Chorja Grantha Prokash), “Shorbange Tomar Gunjan” (Bibhash Prokashoni), and “Dekhechi Morter Dhulo” (Sakhi Publishing Club).
Two new books of essays by Saha are: “Atmo Smiriti Unissho Pachattar: Shei Andhokar Shei Bibhishikamoy” (Nandonik Prokashoni) and “Keno Bhalobashi” (Bangla Prokash). Both books include personal experiences, history, research-based articles, travelogues and more.
A collection of short stories, “Jekhane Gondho Chilo Phul Chilo Na”, will publish from Oitijjho. Rachi Grantha Niketan will publish “Mahadev Saha-r Shakkhatkar”. The book has been compiled by Dr. Anupum Sen.
About the fair, Saha says, “The book fair, to me, is a carnival of alphabets. I consider Ekushey Boi Mela to be one of the major cultural festivals of our country. It reflects secularism as well as harmony among people of all religions. I believe that the fair has been playing a key role in developing our literary scene. It has become a symbol of nationalism, encouraging a bold stance against ignorance.
“I've visited many book festivals, notably in Frankfurt, New York, Athens, Berlin, Paris, Delhi and Kolkata. Ekushey book fair is very different and unique. Poets, writers, readers and publishers eagerly wait for the fair around the year.
“I feel that poetry is at the heart of the fair. The number of poetry books has increased over the years. At the fair, both veteran and promising poets are getting good response from readers.”