Butterfly Fair: A celebration of colours at JU
The Zahir Raihan Auditorium at Jahangirnagar University transformed into a vibrant hub of activity yesterday during the daylong Butterfly Fair, showcasing hundreds of live butterflies and captivating photographs.
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The colourful fluttering of butterflies, combined with engaging activities, delighted visitors of all ages. "I've never seen so many butterflies together before. They're of so many colours -- red, blue, purple, yellow -- and absolutely stunning," said five-year-old Faiyad Ahmed Adittya from Savar.
Approximately 35 butterfly species, including Striped Pierrot, Blue Tiger, and Painted Lady, were displayed near the auditorium, Butterfly Park, and Botanical Garden.
The event, organised by JU's Zoology Department with Cute as the title sponsor, carried the theme "Urle Akashe Projapiti, Prokriti Pay Notun Goti" (If butterflies fly in the sky, nature gets rejuvenated). Its goal was to promote conservation and raise awareness about nature.
"In 2013, JU hosted 110 butterfly species. However, urban development has caused habitat loss, reducing the number to just 70 species," shared Prof Monwar Hossain, the fair's convener.
The Butterfly Award 2024 went to Sabuj Chakma, founder of Plantation for Nature, while Sabbir Ahmed of Jagannath University received the Butterfly Young Enthusiast Award 2024.
Inaugurating the fair, JU Vice Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan emphasised butterflies' role in preserving biodiversity, urging everyone to foster harmony in nature and society.
"Let today's Butterfly Fair inspire a commitment to protecting diversity," he said.
The fair also featured puppetry by Kaktarua Puppet Theatre, art competitions, quizzes, kite flying, photography, debates, and a butterfly identification contest, making it a memorable celebration for nature enthusiasts.
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