A three-day Poush Mela, celebrating the advent of winter, commenced on Bangla Academy premises in the city on Friday (Dec 22). 'Poush Mela Udjapon Parishad' in association with Bangla Academy has organised the fair. Cultural personality Kamal Lohani inaugurated the event in morning.
Artistes of several cultural organisations entertained the audience presenting dance recitals, songs and recitation on the opening day. Artistes of Nibedon Shilpi Goshthi in chorus rendered a number of songs glorifying winter including 'Poush Elo Go'.
Rabindra Sangeet singer Bulbul Islam rendered Tagore song 'Elo Je Shiter Bela', a song which Tagore composed marking the arrival of winter.
Fakir Alamgir sang popular folk song 'Bondhu Jedin Ashbe Amar Ghore', Akramul Islam rendered two songs of Hason Raja 'Agun Lagiya Dilo Bonay' and 'Nisha Lagilo Ray'.
The audience enjoyed group dance recitals by artistes of local cultural troupes at the fair on Friday.
Besides cultural performances, the fair also features stalls offering different types of pitha (traditional cakes) usually made in winter, pottery items and handicraft products.
The Poush Mela will end on Sunday.
