Baishakhi Mela begins in Ctg

The 104th edition of Baishakhi Mela began on Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong city yesterday with its main attraction "Jabbarer Boli Khela" scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
Abdul Jabbarer Boli Khela and Baishakhi Mela, the traditional event of Chittagong to celebrate Baishakh, the first month of Bangla New Year, is scheduled to be continued till Friday.
Jahar Lal Hajari, president of Abdul Jabbar Smriti Kusti Protijogita O Baishakhi Mela Udjapan Parishad, said this year they have started the fair one day earlier due to the requests of the traders.
Traders from different places of the country have already set their stalls showcasing various traditional items, including handicrafts, garment items, handloom products, household materials, sweetmeats etc.
Director of Channel i Shykh Seraj will inaugurate the traditional "Boli Khela" (wrestling competition) which was introduced in Chittagong in 1909 by a local merchant Abdul Jabbar Showdagor to encourage the youths to join the anti-British movement.
While M Manjur Alam, mayor of Chittagong City Corporation, will be present as the chief guest at the event.