The two-day Divisional Loksangskriti Utsab-2016 (Folk festival) will begin at Boro Villa of Char Anandipur village in Mymensingh sadar upazila on February 26.

The festival at a rural location is the first of its kind in the country.

The two-day festival titled “Manush Bhojle Sonar Manush Hobi” includes discussions, baul songs and cultural performances.

Organised by Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, Mymensingh district unit, the festival will be inaugurated by noted cultural activist Kamal Lohani.

Eminent academic and writer Prof Jatin Sarker will be the chief discussant at the opening ceremony.

On the second day, Professor Mohit Ul Alam, Vice-Chancellor of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU); Dr Shafi Uddin Ahmed, advocate Emdadul Haque Millat, Udichi joint-secretary Jamshed Anwar Tapon will give addresses at the concluding ceremony.

Udichi Mymensingh president AKM Mujibur Rahman will preside over the event.

Artistes of Udichi Kishoreganj, Netrakona and Mymensingh; Bangalok Theatre in Dhaka, and different cultural organisations from Mymensingh and Dhaka will also perform at the festival.

Dance dramas" Mahua", "Sonai Madhab", "Chandrabotir Pala" and "Rupchan Sundarir Pala" will be attractions for the  audience as well, says Sarwar Kamal Robin, joint-convener of the celebration committee.

Eminent baul artistes of the country, Fakir Shahabuddin, Anshuman Dutta, Sunil Karmaker, Shafil Mandol, Jesmin Akhtar and Mizanur Rahman Milon are also expected to enthrall the audience with their performances.