In commemoration of the 200th birth anniversary of the esteemed poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt, a nine-day-long festival named 'Madhu Mela' started at the poet's birthplace, Sagardari village of Jashore yesterday.
The festival, honouring the literary giant, will run until January 27, as per an official release.
Born on January 25, 1824, to landlord Raj Narayan Dutt and Janhabi Devi at Sagardari village, Madhusudan Dutt holds a significant place in Bengali literature.
In recognition of his bicentennial, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conveyed her respects and appreciation for organising the 'Madhu Mela' in a message.
She praised Madhusudan Dutt's deep affection for his homeland and mother tongue, evident in his works composed during his time abroad.
"I think that the programmes organized on the occasion of his birth anniversary will play a significant role in presenting the work of the poet to the young generation," she added.
Madhusudan Dutt, often hailed as 'Mahakobi' for his tragic epic "Meghnad Badh Kavya," is renowned as the father of the Bengali sonnet. He introduced "Amitrakshar Chhanda" (blank verse) and excelled not only in poetry but also as a playwright, pioneering Bengali plays in the English style.
His notable literary works include the sonnet "Kapatakkha Nad," inspired by the Kapatakkha River flowing through Jashore, the poet's ancestral home. Known for his linguistic prowess, Madhusudan Dutt studied Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Tamil, Telugu, and Sanskrit.
The poet, who passed away on June 29, 1873, at the age of 49, just three days after his wife Henrietta, was laid to rest in Kolkata. The 'Madhu Mela' seeks to honour his legacy and contributions to the world of literature, with various programs scheduled to take place during the festival.
