The name Gopibagh may sound to some rather unlikely to be a venue for cultural programmes. Especially, one might be reminded of its once notoriety for mugging and political feuds. Added to this, at present the City Corporation has been executing its usual untimely road-digging project across the whole neighbourhood causing horrible plight for both the habitats and visitors. But in spite of all these hazards, the place recently became vibrant with tunes of songs, emotive recitation of popular poems, beats of musical instruments and, above all, with enthusiastic applause of audience.

A group of local youths organised a celebration fair of Sraban, the Rainy Season month of the Bangla calendar year. Having started on July 29, the four-day celebration presented cultural performances by both local and guest artistes.

A thought-provoking discussion session on the third day of the fair revealed the rich presence of Barsha (the Monsoon) in Bangla literature and culture. Eminent litterateur Shawkat Ali, Mohsin Shastropani, Kafil Ahmed, Haider Anowar Khan and others participated in this lively discussion.

A number of cultural groups like Srijon, Bibartan, Dhaboman, Matridhara, Shamageet, Uttaran and Pratyoy rendered gonosangeet at the fair. Besides, reputed recital artistes Shimul Mustafa and Mahidul Islam, and performers of cultural groups Srot and Swarkalpon recited from poems on the monsoon.

Apart from the cultural shows, a few stalls displayed folk art-works and earthenware in the fair. The whole Third Lane, where the celebration fair took place, had become an inspiring gathering of people who are culturally enlightened and truly Bangali at heart.