Exhibition of Old Items Including Swords and Gramophones in Sylhet, Bangladesh

Exhibition of Old Items Including Swords and Gramophones in Sylhet, Bangladesh

A century-old brass sword encased in a steel sheath, with two animal figures engraved on the hilt. Nearby, a gramophone (phonograph) stands alongside a small chicken coop. Also on display are various traditional items such as a farmer's headgear, baskets, fishing gear, palanquin, and other heritage artifacts like a traditional pounding tool, and an array of wooden and metal crafts.

These old and traditional items are showcased in the Dargiapara area of Sylhet city. Organized by Srihatta Prakash, a publishing house, this is the seventh edition of the month-long book fair and exhibition of traditional items. The exhibition is open to the public daily from 2 PM to 10 PM and will continue from January 10 to February 10.

On-site observations reveal nearly 200 traditional items on display, including bamboo bridges, hookahs, tape recorders, clay plates, jugs, glasses, plows, typewriters, video cameras, coal irons, hand fans, various fishing nets, oil lamps, hurricane lamps, rustic huts, old televisions, royal thrones, perfume bottles, cradles, royal utensils, bamboo baskets, single-stringed musical instruments (ektara), clay stoves, post boxes, a wooden replica of Sylhet’s historic Kin Bridge, oil lamps, spinning tops, reel cameras, slingshots, and ink pots with pens. A book fair runs alongside the exhibition.

Two visitors expressed their appreciation for the exhibition, noting that it includes many items from rural traditions and old artifacts unfamiliar to the younger generation. They believe visitors are delighted to connect with these traditional elements. The exhibition plays a significant role in preserving and promoting Bangladesh’s proud heritage and culture.

Siddiq Ahmed, Managing Director of Green Academy BD Limited, visited on the opening day and praised the event. He told Prothom Alo, "Srihatta Prakash has been commendably organizing this exhibition for seven consecutive years, encapsulating Bengal's history and heritage. Parents can bring their children here to introduce them to these fading traditions."

The event's organizer, publisher-researcher Jiblu Rahman, said to Prothom Alo that the exhibition is held out of a sense of heritage and responsibility. It aims to acquaint the younger generation with the traditions of their ancestors. Alongside the exhibition, they also focus on publishing various creative and intellectual books and organizing year-round programs to promote reading habits.