The Dhaka University area came alive on Friday, the weekly holiday, with the happy coincidence of Valentine's Day, the arrival of Spring (Basant), and the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela falling together.
Valentine's Day and Pahela Falgun, the first day of Spring in the Bangla calendar, are being celebrated together for a number of years now, with the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela obviously a permanent fixture of this month.
As a result, the Dhaka University area and Sohrawardy Udyan have turned into a gathering place for book lovers, couples, young men and women, and spring festival enthusiasts.
Something for everyone
The Dhaka University area-TSC, Charukola premises, Curzon Hall, and Mall Chattar-has been vibrant throughout the day, with Valentine's Day capping off the first day of Spring. Some are coming with family, some with their loved ones. Many are engaged in photo sessions, while others are mingling with friends. Young men and women are enjoying the day clad mostly in panjabi and saree, respectively.
A couple named Ripon and Lipi said, "We had planned for a long time to go out together on Valentine's Day. Along with that, it's the first day of Falgun and the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela. Altogether, we are enjoying the day."
Cultural organizations have arranged spring-welcoming events. A 'Somogeit Boshonto Utshob' has been organized at Bottola, while a spring festival is hosted at Charukola also.
After all, the Dhaka University area is adorned in a unique hue of love, spring, and the Boi Mela. With the joy of youth, the excitement of book lovers, and cultural events, today has become a special day of celebration.
Florists in big demand
As it is the first day of Falgun and Valentine's Day, flower shops have been crowded since morning. Buyers have gathered at Shahbagh's flower market to buy flowers for their loved ones. Flower seller Shanto Chandra said, "Compared to other days, today there is a huge crowd, and more flowers are being sold. Headbands made of flowers, roses, and marigolds are being sold the most today. The majority of customers are young men and women."
Another seller mentioned, "Even though the price of flowers is higher today, sales are good."
Crowd surges at Boi Mela
As the afternoon progressed, a surge of buyers and visitors was seen at the book fair in Sohrawardhy Udyan. Visitors crowded the fair to buy books and collect works by their favorite authors. A visitor named Swapan said, "I love reading books a lot. And since today is Valentine's Day and the first day of Falgun, I will try to gift books to my loved ones."
Meanwhile, several publishers' representatives mentioned that book sales were good today due to the double-occasion.
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