Photo : BSS

RANGPUR, June 27, 2025 (BSS) - A Fruit Festival titled 'Falahar' was held at 
the Knowledge Care Academy office of 'Swarshaili' on the Shapla JNC road in 
the city today.

The 'Swarshaili' Recitation, Presentation and Debate Practicing Center of 
Rangpur organised the fruit festival with the theme 'Taja foler modhur sukh, 
pusti ghera shorir buk' (the sweet pleasure of fresh fruit, the body filled 
with nourishment). 
 
Everyone present at the fruit festival tasted many seasonal fruits including 
mango, black berry, jackfruit, kamranga, rose berry, guava, dragon, hog-plum, 
and king fruit (rajafal). 
 
A discussion session on the literary aspect and nutritional value of fruits 
and the benefits of eating fruits was also arranged on the occasion.
 
Professor Mohammad Shah Alam, Director of 'Swarshaili' and former professor 
of the Department of Bengali of Rangpur Carmichael College presided over the 
event. 
 
Convener of the fruit festival organising committee, Majedul Islam Majed 
delivered the welcome speech. 
 
Abdus Salam greeted the guests in the function moderated by Mehedi Masud.

Noted literary and cultural personalities Swattik Shah Al Maruf, Mahmudunnabi 
Babul, Mamun-ur Rashid, Nurul Amin Milon, Sunil Sarkar, Debashish Das, Airin 
Nahar, Afzal Hossain, Shamima Akhter Khanam Lima, Purnima Raj, Sirajul Islam, 
Mesbaur Rahman, among others, participated in the discussion. 
 
The speakers said that fruits in literature often serve as powerful symbols, 
representing a range of concepts such as love, affection, beauty, morality, 
temptation, knowledge, abundance, mortality and even social status. 
 
The symbolism of fruits can be traced back to classical and biblical 
traditions, but writers also adapt these meanings to reflect changing social 
and cultural contexts. 
 

For example, the apple has long been associated with sin and temptation, 
while the pineapple, due to its exotic origins, can represent luxury and 
extravagance.
 
In his closing speech, Professor Mohammad Shah Alam said that nutritionally, 
fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing 
to overall health and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
 
He especially called for planting more fruit trees and emphasized on eating 
enough fruits together as a family because such practice will reduce diseases 
and maintain good health.