A different kind of fair with multidimensional cultural activities, all revolving around letters, was held in the capital on International Mother Language Day yesterday.

Thousands of children and adults flocked to the daylong "Borno Mela" (fair of letters) hosted by leading Bangla daily the Prothom Alo at Sultana Kamal Mohila Krira Complex.

The fair where celebrated artists taught kids to write Bangla letters correctly, among other things, was inaugurated by noted litterateur Abdullah Abu Sayeed.

“I was taught the very first letter of our Bangla alphabet incorrectly. Our primary school teacher in Chittagong pronounced it 'shoriyo' instead of 'shorayo'. I want my children to learn Bangla correctly and be inspired by the luminaries of Bangla language and literature,” said Himel Ishaq, a drama artist who came with his two kids and wife.

The fair also featured handwriting, painting, and pattern making competitions, cultural programme, magic show, puppet show, quiz, game shows, and many more.

A gaggle of students of Preparatory Ideal Institute won candies from the "Borno Pandit" stall by answering questions related to Bangla grammar, spelling and riddles.

The "Borno Prodorshoni" stall exhibited colourful designs and patterns of different letters. There was also an arrangement for children to make letters of different languages with clay blocks.