Not only writers, publishers and readers but vendors too, wait longingly for the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela as they get an opportunity to sell their products outside the fair venue during the month-long festival.
Spreading their wares on the pavements leading in and out of the Bangla Academy premises, hundreds of vendors busily try to draw the attention of prospective customers.
As the vendors are not allowed into the book fair, they satisfied themselves with the sidewalks outside the fair premises and displayed their products ranging from toys, jewellery and home decor items to mouthwatering munchies.
Setting a table on footpath from day one of the fair, Amy sells handicrafts made of jute with a price range of Tk 40 to Tk 250.
“I have been getting a good response from my customers,” she said.
Food stalls selling local snacks like Chotpati and Fuchka have become very popular among the fair visitors and never fail to draw a good crowd.
Shirin Akhter, a housewife, bought a cane basket costing Tk 45 from a vendor on her way out of the fair.
She said, “Besides buying books, I also found a necessary item for my kitchen.”
Vendors of this group, however, remain on their toes as policemen chase them quite often to clear the paths for the visitors to the fair.
