To commemorate the 106th birth anniversary of 'Polli-kobi' Jasimuddin a fortnight-long fair -- 'Jasim Polli Mela' -- began yesterday at Govindapur village in Faridpur amidst much enthusiasm. A lively cultural programme was part of the inaugural session.

Around two hundred stalls have been set up at the premises of the poet's home by the river Kumar.

Handicrafts, everyday items used by the rural folk, tools and other items used in agricultural, literary works of Jasimuddin and more are on display at the fair.

Other attractions include puppet show; circus; live performance of 'jari', 'shari', 'bhawaiya' and 'murshidi' songs; dance and recitation.

On January 24, Toufiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury 'Birbikram', adviser to the Prime Minister, inaugurated the fair. Advocate Shamsul Haque, newly elected Sadar Upazila chairman; Aktaruzzaman Mohammad Mostafa Kamal, deputy commissioner of Faridpur; Police Superintend Kusum Dewan; Afsana Yasmin, chief executive of Faridpur Zila Parishad and the poet's son D Jamal Anwar attended the inauguration of the fair on Saturday.

Enthusiastic visitors from different parts of the country are converging at the fair; some enthused by the pastoral beauty epitomised by Jasimuddin in his poetry:

"Tumi jabe bhai, jabe more shathey amder chhoto gaye?"
Or "Amar bari jaiyo bhramar boshte dibo pirey.”