February is a month of pride, mourning and realisation. History was created through utmost sacrifices on the twenty first day of this very month in 1952. On the November 17, 1999, the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved February 21 as the International Mother Language Day and this revolutionary movement was recognized in the world at the initiative of Bangladesh government. For the first time, UNESCO observed February 21, 2000 as the International Mother Language Day. From that day it is not an event of our own only rather it's for every person at every corner of the world. February 21or Ekushey February as we call it has become an iconic event for Bengali's all over the world. Drenched in black and white, all Bengali's murmur songs of lament and express their respect for the lost souls. The day begins with the ritualistic early morning slow procession Prabhat Feri. As darkness gradually receded, silent mourners in all black and white go out on the roads, walking bare feet towards the graves of the Language Martyrs and to the Shahid Minar. Throughout the day, people of all ages and from all walks of life visit the Shaheed Minar to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our beloved language. Flowers, poems and songs fill up the air that day reminding us the significance of the day. The real essence of Ekushey is found right at Dhaka University area and the main attraction being the 'Boi Mela'. The Celebration of inter national mother language day actually goes on for the entire month of February because of the Omor Ekushey Grontho Mela.' This fair evolved into a national cultural festival reflecting the literature, patriotism and nationalism along with the cultural spirit of us. And this year the fair is bigger and better. Around the area there are discussions, cultural activities, book launches, bornomela, and much more that bring out this golden chapter of our history. Posters, flyers, festoons, face paintings and people embracing the same spirit of Ekushey do make us overwhelmed with love and respect for the brave souls and the language we have. Ekushey February is not only a national day but also a reminder that what a force of unity in a nation can help attain for its people. The spirit of February should be alive throughout the year. February 21 is extensively significant in my life because it is the beginning of the chapter of our liberation war. It helps us to realize that we can be a nation born out of a cultural equity including religious and social impartiality.
