Madhu Mela, an annual festival celebrating the 191st birth anniversary of the pioneer of Bengali sonnets, poet Michael Madhusudan Dutta, ended on January 28 at Sagardari, Jessore.

The weeklong festival was inaugurated by Dr. Mashiur Rahman, Economic Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister.

Thousands of people from different parts of the country and abroad visited the fair, the largest in south-western Bangladesh. Hundreds of stalls were set up on the banks of Kapataksha River. Circus, jatra, magic shows, dance, and musical performances every day were added attractions.

People also visited a museum named after Michael Madhusudan Dutta which has a good collection of Dutta and his family's memorabilia. 

Sheela Khatun, a visitor said, “I came for the first time at Madhu Mela. I haven't been to any big fair in Bangladesh like this one. I feel a bit melancholic when I walk on the bank of Kapataksha River.”

Poet Khosru Parvez, who conducts research on Michael Madhusudan, said “Without Michael's contribution, Bangla literature wouldn't have been this rich. We demand the government establish Madhusudan Cultural University in Sagardari so that we can preserve our heritage and enrich our country through spreading culture and literature. We are trying hard to realise our demand.”