The grounds of Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2016 were full to the brim yesterday as thousands of visitors, especially children, thronged the venue on the first weekend the fair sees.
The weekend special Children’s Hours from 11am to 1pm was marked by different activities, such as painting, puppet show etc. Children roamed about stalls that featured various children’s books and other publications.
As Redwanur Rahman Jewel, publisher of Nalonda Prakashani, put it: “The fair has truly begun today.”
Among many little book readers who visited the fair was Aparajita, who came with her father Amal Dhar.
“My daughter is in awe,” said a smiling Amal Dhar. “She is usually a chatterbox, but the excitement of coming here has rendered her speechless.”
While the morning was dedicated to children, the latter part of the day went to the adults.
Around 3pm, the inflow of visitors started to increase significantly; there were long queues at the fair entrances.
Book stall attendants and owners were happily busy attending the book lovers all day.
Yesterday, 256 new books were released at the fair, putting the total number at 419.
The fair will be open at 11am with Children’s Hour today as well.
