27th Nat'l Rabindra Sangeet Festival begins

With the theme “Dur Koro Shongshoy Shongkar Bhar Jao Choli Timir Digonter Paar,” the five-day (April 4-8) “27th Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Utshab” (National Rabindra Sangeet Festival) began at the Shawkat Osman Memorial Auditorium, Central Public Library, Shahbagh on May 4. The annual programme, organised by Bangladesh Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Sangstha (BRSSS), marks the 155th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore artistes from and outside Dhaka will perform 120 solo songs at the festival. Apart from this, several musical troupes and noted elocutionists of the country are participating in the programme with songs and poetry. 

The highlight of the first day's programme was solo and group performances of songs.

The day's programme kicked off with a rendition of the National Anthem. This was followed by choral renditions of “Aloker-i Jhornadharaye” and “Cholo Jai Cholo Jai” by the artistes of BRSSS. A brief inaugural ceremony came next.

Noted educationist Professor Syed Anwar Hossain formally inaugurated the festival as chief guest. Sajed Akbar, general secretary of the organisation, delivered the welcome address. Tapan Mahmud, president, BRSSS, presided over the session. He also introduced a six-point agenda to create a favourable environment for Tagore practice and research.

In the course of the programme, the organisers felicitated veteran Rabindra Sangeet artiste Hamida Haque.

After the inaugural, the musical soiree resumed. Shemonty Monjari beautifully performed a Pooja Parba song “Ke Go Ontorotoro Shey” while Rabita Sabah rendered “Ogo Dukho Jagania”.

Yesterday (May 5), noted dance school “Nritya Nandan” staged a dance drama “Chandalika” alongside musical performance by the Tagore singers.

Today (May 6) and tomorrow (May 7), a musical soiree with presentation of recitation will be held each day at the venue. On May 8, on the occasion of Tagore's birth anniversary, members of BRSSS will also celebrate the 92nd birth anniversary of Tagore exponent and singer Kalim Sharafi. The organisers will also felicitate seasoned Rabindra Sangeet artiste Papia Sarwar. Litterateur and former senior secretary Dr. Ranjit Biswas will attend the event as special guest. A musical event with recitation follows.