RAJSHAHI, Jan 27, 2024 (BSS) - Like the previous years, a month-long flower and handicrafts exhibition and cultural festival-2024 began here on Friday afternoon.

Rajshahi City Nursery Owners Association organised the fair at Green Plaza of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC).
 
Different nursery owners of the city have set up more than 51 stalls that are displaying a wide range of blossoms and handicrafts.
 
The fragrance of different types of roses, marigolds, gerberas, orchids, lilies, tulips, daffodils, petunias, sunflowers, morning glories, poppies, gardenia, bougainvillea, snapdragons, dahlia, nasturtium, begonia, evening primrose, clematis, knight queen, daisies, chrysanthemums, winter flowers, bleeding hearts, cosmos, hollyhock and many others wafting through the air has been attracting people in the fair.

A spectrum of locally produced handicraft goods including leather products, jute-made products, processed agricultural products, electrical and electronic goods, clothes, design and fashion wares and other products are also being exhibited in various 15 stalls.
 
Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation AHM Khairuzzaman Liton inaugurated the fair as chief guest, while Prof Shafiqur Rahman Badsha, MP, and President of the nursery owners association Muhammad Shaheduzzaman were present as special guests.
 
"Due to variation in climate, topography and vegetation, the region has a diversity of ornamental plants which need to be scientifically cultivated to promote export," said Mayor Liton.
 
He added that various species of flower grow in the region and measures were taken to cultivate more so that flowers can be turned into an export-oriented industry.
 
"Flowers are the most beautiful gifts of nature and people of all ages love flowers, so farmers should be encouraged to promote flower farming," said Liton, adding that farmers need a tuber resource center here from where they can collect and purchase flowers easyly.

He also said handicrafts signify the true craftsmanship of the Bangladeshi artisans.
 
He underscored the need for more hosting of such a type of fair to protect the handicraft goods.

"Flower is a gift that cannot be measured with money and that's the beauty of it," said Rabiul Alam, a student of Rajshahi New Government Degree College who visited the fair on Friday evening.
 
"We are selling different types of flowers at reasonable prices. The response is good so far," said Shamim Hossain, a stall owner of the fair.
 
Side by side with the flower fair, performance of fine arts, literary and cultural activities are being arranged for the children for flourishing their latent talents.
 
The fair will remain open from 9 am to 9 pm every day and the event will help create a sound marketing opportunities for flowers, said the fair organisers.