Pavilions, stalls add to book fair’s charm

With so many books and stalls to peruse over, attracting visitors is imperative for publications. For that reason, big publications have come up with distinct ways to entice readers.

In line with that, colourful pavilions and stalls, showcasing the country's traditional themes of the respective publication houses, have made the month-long Amar Eksuhey Grantha Mela easy on the eyes.

At the entrance of Amar Ekushey Boi Mela yesterday, this correspondent met Samrina Sultana from Agargaon. Standing in front of Panjeree Publication's pavilion, she immediately took two selfies and proceeded to Srabon Prokashoni.

"For the last two years, pavilions and stalls have been constructed with a certain aesthetic in mind. I saw my friends taking pictures in front of the stalls, so I, too, took some pictures while buying books," said Samrina.

The pavilion or stall with the most aesthetically pleasing look is expected to be awarded the "Qayyum Chowdhury Memorial Award".

Right where the entrance passes through Suhrawardy Udyan, there is a hut, decorated with a wooden frame. This is the stall of Shrabon Prokashani.

"I designed this stall like a pavilion. It has more space for the readers. It can also work as a shelter for people during rain," said Srabon Robin Ahsan, proprietor of the publisher.

Like every year, Humayun Ahmed is in Anya Prokash's decoration, while Panjeri's stall design paid a tribute to the heroes of the Language Movement and the Liberation War.

According to Bangla Academy, over a hundred new books were launched at the fair yesterday.