To celebrate Rabindranath Tagore's 157th birth anniversary, his works and his philosophy, a two-day 'Rabindra Utshab 1425' commenced at the main auditorium of Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The festival began yesterday.

Founded in 1961, Chhayanaut organised the annual 'Rabindra Utshab' for the 10th time in a row. The festival began with a live song and dance presentation by the artistes of the organisation. Young dancers, led by noted Guru Sharmila Banerjee, mesmerised the crowd with their dance performance to the song Hey Nuton Dekha Dik Aarbar -- butterflying out of their cocoons on a sunny morning.

The General Secretary of Chhayanaut, Laisa Ahmed Lisa, in her welcome speech, spoke about how Tagore's compositions never cease to inspire us. Be it on the battle grounds to achieve liberation or simply to achieve happiness in life.

The highlight of the programme was the showcasing of a Tagore musical, or better known as Rabindra Geeti Alekhya. Titled Mohabishwe Mohakash-e, the musical was written by Indian Tagore researcher Arunabh Lahiri. Renowned Tagore singers Mohiuzzaman Chowdhury, Laisa Ahmed Lisa and others sang the famous Tagore compositions while Jayanta Roy and Sumana Biswas recited his poetry. Also, Chhayanaut artistes performed two choral compositions -- Bipulo Torongo Rey and Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy accompanied by live dance presentations. Apart from the Chhayanaut artistes, several guest singers and performers of the musical troupe ‘Surtirtha’ sang at the event.

The curtains came down on the opening day of the festival, with a rendition of Apon Hotey Bahir Hoye.

Compiled and prefaced by the president of Chhayanaut, Dr Sanjida Khatun, a showcasing of Rabindra Bhabonaye Bhroshtologno, a lyrical poetry, better known as geeti kabyyo, will take place today.