Alphabet Fair by Prothom Alo

Children take part in “Write as You Like” at the Borno Mela. Photo: STAR

Hundreds of children, as well as adults, of Chittagong celebrated the International Mother Language Day (yesterday) amid joy and festivity at an event titled “Borno Mela”.
To mark the occasion, leading Bangla daily The Prothom Alo organised the daylong festival at Nasirabad Govt. Boys' School premises where students and children along with their guardians thronged since morning.
The festival started with the national anthem presented by Rakto Karobi, a leading cultural troupe of the Port City.
Language Movement veteran Syedur Rahman Chowdhury inaugurated the festival as chief guest. Abul Momen, resident editor of Prothom Alo, gave the welcome speech.
With an aim to boost love towards Bangla alphabets, provide formal first lesson on the alphabets, and introduce Bengali culture and heritage to children, Prothom Alo initiated the programme, said Biswajit Chowdhury, joint editor of Prothom Alo.
Zahid Reza Noor, deputy feature editor of the daily, conducted the programme.
Over 25 stalls were set up at the premises, which highlighted Bengali culture, traditional clothes and food.
At the daylong colourful festival, children were given the first lesson on handwriting at the stall 'Haate Khari'. At the stall 'Barno Chhaya', children enjoyed different games on Bangla alphabets. At the stalls 'Borno Ghar' and 'Borno Pandit', artistes Abul Mansur, Ahmed Newaz and Kawza Kayum were busy introducing children to alphabets. Marma and Rakhain bornomala (alphabets) were also on display at the stalls.
A cultural programme and a painting-drawing competition were also held on the occasion.
Proma Abritti Sangathan presented a group recitation titled “Janani Bangla”, directed and scripted by Hasan Arif.
Artistes of Sangeet Bhaban rendered the patriotic songs -- “Rakto diye naam likhechhi” and “O moder desho bashire”.
Channel i Shera Kantho artistes, Chaity and Nishita, also performed patriotic songs at the festival.