The historic grounds of Suhrawardy Udyan transformed into a vibrant wonderland this Friday as the first Shishu Prahar (Children’s Hour) of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair commenced. Despite the warm afternoon sun and the observant atmosphere of Ramadan, the venue was revitalised by the rhythmic clapping and joyous laughter of youngsters who flocked to the stalls.
For six-year-old Aritra, who recently began his primary schooling, the fair was a sensory explosion. Clinging to his grandfather’s hand, he eagerly pointed at a collection of bright volumes. “Grandpa, buy me this one! I want to learn about Superman today. And this one for colouring!” his grandfather, Amal Hawladar, recounted with a gentle smile, “It’s his first time here. His demands are endless, but his excitement is priceless.”
A Season of Change
Following its official inauguration on Thursday by Prime Minister Tareq Rahman, the fair—a cornerstone of Bengali cultural identity—has adapted its schedule this year to accommodate the holy month of Ramadan. While the gates generally open in the afternoon, Fridays and Saturdays offer a dedicated morning window for the younger generation.
| Day Type | Opening Time | Closing Time | Children’s Hour |
| Weekdays | 14:00 | 21:00 | N/A |
| Weekends (Fri/Sat) | 11:00 | 21:00 | 11:00 – 13:00 |
| Entry Deadline | — | 20:30 | — |
The Magic of the Puppet Stage
The undisputed highlight of the morning was the Puppet Show, hosted at the heart of the children’s corner. Anticipation reached a fever pitch as Zahria, a third-grade student, stood on her tiptoes, peering over the edge of the stage. When the familiar call—”Friends, are you ready? We are!”—echoed from behind the velvet curtains, a sea of children rushed to the floor mats, their parents forming a protective, smiling perimeter behind them.
The performance featured the beloved puppet duo, Apu and Dipu, who wove educational messages into their comedic banter. The energy escalated as the strains of the classic folk tune ‘Bulbul Pakhi Moyna Tiye’ filled the air, heralded by the entrance of a magnificent, tail-wagging tiger puppet.
The “tiger” leaped from the stage to interact with the crowd, prompting delighted shrieks as children reached out to touch its fuzzy paws. Little Tasnim, perched safely on her father’s shoulders, clapped frantically, later asking with wide-eyed innocence, “Will the tiger come back tomorrow?”
Artistry with a Purpose
The organisers, including the Kaktarua Puppet Theatre, view these performances as more than mere entertainment. Asaduzzaman Ashik, the theatre’s founder, noted that puppets are a powerful medium for social change. “Children absorb stories effortlessly,” he explained. “Through these shows, we provide joy while subtly embedding messages that challenge social superstitions and promote kindness.”
As the first Shishu Prahar concluded at 1:00 PM, the children left with bags full of new stories and memories of a morning where books and puppets brought the magic of the Motihar spirit to the heart of Dhaka.