Jasim Pollimela from Jan 25

FARIDPUR, Jan 20 (BSS): Brisk preparations are afoot to hold the fortnight long Jasim Pollimela (village fair) commemorating the 111th birth anniversary of Pollikabi Jasimuddin from January 25 at village Gobindapur here on the bank of river Kumar, adjacent to the ancestral home of the poet.
An annual ritual since 1996, this attractive Pollimela that depicts the folk culture of rural Bangladesh along with modern entertainment persuasions presented by artists across the country attracts thousands of visitors.
It may be mentioned here that though the poet's birthday is January 1 the fair was shifted due to the national election. About two hundred temporary stalls will be set up on the fair premises along with a decorated permanent stage (Jasim Mancha) for cultural performances.
The stalls will consist of mostly with handicrafts and rural oriented cottage goods both for display and sale. Arrangements have also been made for other recreational options.
To hold the fair smoothly, all necessary measures, including security, electricity, water supply, fire services, sanitation and improvement of connecting roads, have been done.
A colorful souvenir will be brought out to mark the occasion.
Renovation of the graveyard located by the side of the fair site where the poet is having his eternal sleep under the shadow of a pomegranate (Dalim) tree with a signboard engraving "Here is the grave of your grandma under the pomegranate tree, I have soaked for last thirty years with the tears of my two eyes". The signboard carries famous stanza from his immortal poem 'Kabor'.
The completion of the Jasim Mausoleum built at an estimated cost of Taka 13 crore beside the ancestral house of the poet is having its last touches.
The Cultural Ministry undertook the project in 2010 with the object of preserving the poet's works as well as carrying out research on Jasimuddin.
This mausoleum will be an additional attraction for the visitors of home and abroad this year.