Farida Parveen performs at the Madhu Mela.

Manikgnanj had a festive atmosphere from Wednesday to Friday as two big cultural events, Baul Mela and Madhu Mela were both held at the same time.
The three-day Baul Mela (congregation of mystics) ended at Manikganj Government Boys’ High School playground on Wednesday night.
Popular local Baul singers Shah Alam Sarker and Nazrul Islam performed Bichar Gaan (traditional performance which presents songs through conversations of a mentor and his disciple) at the concluding ceremony. The solo performances of Jane Alam and Shahnaz Beli were also enjoyed by the audience.
Mokhlesur Rahman, secretary of land ministry, was present as chief guest while Afroza Ramzan, president of Mother Foundation, presided over the concluding ceremony.
At the concluding ceremony, the organizer Mother Foundation accorded reception to Tabarakul Tosaddek Hossain Khan Tito, newly elected director of Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). Singers Shahnaz Bely, Jane Alam and Fobana were honoured with Literature Jesmin Begum Award at the programme.
Earlier, information secretary Hedayetullah-Al-Mamun formally inaugurated the fair on Monday evening as chief guest. Renowned Lalon singer Farida Parveen rocked a huge crowd by her powerful performance on the first day of the three-day event. Baul singers—Lipi Sarker and Pagol Monir performed traditional Pala Gaan on the same day.
On the second day, popular singer Nokul Kumer Biswas delighted the listeners by his solo performance. Emon Khan performed Kawali gaan while Baul singers Aklima Begum and Razzak Dewan performed Bichar Gaan on the same day.
On the other hand, another musical event featuring Baul songs titled Madhu Mela took place at the same time at Joymantap village under Singair upazila in Manikganj.
Abul Kalam Azad, culture affairs minister, formally inaugurated the fair as chief guest on Wednesday. Renowned Baul singer Mamtaz Begum, daughter of late Modhu Boyati, presided over the inaugural function. Mamtaz Begum also rendered some popular Baul songs at the function. Baul singers Arif Dewan and Sunil Karmaker preformed traditional Pala Gaan.
Many other popular Baul singers performed throughout the three day long fair.
Thousands of people from all walks of life attended the function and enjoyed the events.