163 years of rebellion

A cultural porgramme marking the 163rd Santal revolt, also known as Santal Hool, was conducted recently at the Chitrashala Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and was organised by Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi. Santals are an indigenous people of Bangladesh, who are scattered around different regions. Over 10,000 Santals of Bhagnadihi at Santal Parogana in Jharkhanda state, under the leadership of Sidhu, Kanu Chand, Bhairab, Fulmoni and Jhano, revolted on June 30, 1855 against the misrule, torture and extortion by zamindars, wholesalers and police.

A documentary was screened at the event followed by talks from actor, director and scriptwriter Mamunur Rashid, journalist and cultural activist Kamal Lohani, Manzurul Ahsan Khan, Dr Shofiuddin Ahmed and Mahua Mukherjee. Singers of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi, presented some tunes followed by a poetry recitation. The event concluded with a dance drama by Mahua Mukherjee, where the actors depicted the struggles and joys of the indigenous community through their expressive play.