Spring sneaks early into Ekushey Book Fair weaving tapestry of love and literary delights

Draped in yellow sarees and panjabis, with roses in hand and floral tiaras adorning their heads, visitors stroll through the fair

At Suhrawardy Udyan, the sight of visitors draped in yellow sarees and panjabis, roses in hand, floral tiaras adorning heads, strolling through the Ekushey Book Fair and fallen leaves carpeting the ground whispered a familiar truth—Falgun had arrived a day early, embracing the earth with its warmth and colours.

Though the official Bengali calendar marks Friday as the first day of spring, nature seemed to have made an exception.

The gentle breeze, the youthful vibrance, and the mingling of book lovers and flower enthusiasts on Thursday created an atmosphere that felt like an early celebration of Basanta Utsab, or Spring Festival, and Valentine’s Day rolled into one.

Dressed in their finest traditional attire, visitors explored the fair, hopping from stall to stall, selecting their favourite books.

Some posed for pictures, while others gathered for lively conversations, embracing the prelude to spring.

“I come every year on this day, and it always feels like Falgun arrives early at the book fair,” said Tofazzal Hossain, who travelled from Rangpur.

“The crowd, the flowers, the books—it’s all part of a grand celebration.”

For many, love and literature intertwined in perfect harmony.

Sharif Ahmed, visiting from Mirpur with his fiancée Shirin Sultana, shared.

“We’re getting married soon, and since we’re marrying for love, we wanted to soak in the Valentine’s vibe a little early. I bought her a book—and a flower, of course!” Sharif said, his face glistening in happiness.

Two university friends, Fariha Azreen and Ismat Ara Shampa, wandered the fair with flowers tucked behind their ears.

“Love comes in many forms, and today, we’re celebrating it with friendship, books, and the joy of Falgun,” said Fariha.

Laughing, Shampa added, “We’re not in relationships, but it’s fun to see others who are! And, of course, we got some books.”

Newlyweds Shafiqul Islam and Brishti Rahman walked hand in hand, a flower garland swinging from Brishti’s wrist.

“It’s our first book fair as a married couple, and we’re loving it,” said Shafiqul. “So many people, so much energy—it’s a perfect way to welcome Falgun.”

FLOWERS AND FESTIVITIES IN FULL BLOOM

As love and literature filled the air, so did the scent of fresh flowers.

Flower vendors near Shahbagh were busy weaving garlands, with sales soaring as spring and Valentine’s Day merged into one.

“We always see more customers during the book fair,” said Sumon, a flower vendor, who identified himself with a single name.

“Today and tomorrow will be the busiest. We sell each garland for Tk 50 to 100.”

Beyond the book fair, Dhaka is set to celebrate Falgun with grandeur.

The National Spring Festival Celebration Council will host festivities at three major locations in the city, while the cultural group ‘Sadhana’ will stage the dance drama ‘Dilnawaz’—a tale of love between a prince and a courtesan—at the National Theatre Hall on Friday at 5:30pm.

CALENDARS CHANGE, BUT SPIRIT OF SPRING REMAINS

Since 2019, the Bengali calendar reform has aligned Pahela Falgun, the first day of spring, and Valentine’s Day on Feb 14, intertwining the two celebrations into a single day of love and festivity.

While historical dates like Feb 21, International Mother Language Day, and Dec 16, Victory Day, were adjusted to their original Bengali dates, Falgun and Valentine’s Day became one, making the festival even more grand.

As Falgun’s warmth and Valentine’s romance blend seamlessly, Dhaka finds itself in a joyous embrace of love, literature, and the colours of spring.