Sultan Mela begins in Narail

The 14-day long 'Sultan Mela' marking the 98th birth anniversary of the renowned artist will begin at Sultan Mancha on the Narail Government Victoria College premises Saturday afternoon.

Narail district administration and SM Sultan Foundation is jointly organising the fair. Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Zillur Rahman Chowdhury is expected to inaugurate the Sultan Mela.

Narail Superintendent of Police Sadira Khatun, Zila Parishad Chairman and district Awami League President Advocate Subas Chandra Bose, AL General Secretary Nizamuddin Khan Nilu, Principal, Narail Government Victoria College Professor Md Rabiul Islam, Sultan Foundation General Secretary Ashikur Rahman Miku and Narail Municipality Mayor Anjuman Ara are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony.

Deputy Commissioner and the president of SM Sultan Foundation Muhammad Habibur Rahman will preside over the inaugural session. The Mela will end on January 20.

The fair will feature art exhibition, art competition, rural games including Lathi Khela, bull fighting and folk music, Jari Gaan, Kobi Gaan, recitation, drama staging and discussions on Sultan's life and works.

A total of 100 stalls with traditional textile and cottage industry products have been set up on the college premises.

S M Sultan was born at Masumdia village under Narail Sadar upazila on 10 August in 1924.

Sultan, a legendary artist of Bangladesh won Ekushey Padak in 1982, Bangladesh Charu Shilpi Sangsad Award in 1986 and Swadhinata Padak in 1993.

S M Sultan died at Jashore combined Military Hospital on 10 October in 1994.