Popular folk band Joler Gaan enthralled a large audience last Saturday at Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Auditorium of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh.

Fronted by Rahul Ananda, the band's renditions included their popular hit songs including “Bakul Phul”, “Jhara Pata”, “Ma”, “Emon Jodi Hoto”, “Patar Gaan”, “Baula Batash”, “Ranger Gaan”, “Kagojer Nauka” and many more. During the riveting two hour performance, some 20 songs were performed.

At the outset, artistes of the band explained that their lyrics were stories about the people of this country, its environment, traditions and heritage. Traditional musical instruments are also used in their performance, the artistes said.

The evening was followed by the 57th founding anniversary of BAU, sources said.

Earlier, a colourful procession was brought out on the campus marking the occasion. Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid inaugurated the day's programme as chief guest.

The programmes also included discussions on the achievement of BAU during its 57-year journey and exhibition of agricultural technology developed by BAU, sources said.

Minister for Religious Affairs principal Motiur Rahman, vice-chancellor of BAU Prof Dr Md Ali Akbar, Prof Dr Monjurul Alam, Md Hamidur Rahman, Badiuzzaman Badsha and Prof Dr AKM Zakir Hossain addressed the discussion.