Bangladeshi dance troupe turns heads at Indian festival

In a lively celebration of cultural exchange, a distinguished nine-member ensemble from Dhaka's esteemed dance academy, "Kolpotoru," showcased Bangladesh's artistic heritage at the illustrious "Bali Yatra Festival 2024" in India. The performance was held at the invitation of the Government of India. 

Recognised as one of Asia's largest open cultural fairs, the "Bali Yatra Festival" takes place annually in Cuttack, Odisha. 

The seven-day event, held from 15 to 22 November 2024, featured cultural groups from Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Slovakia. The Bangladeshi troupe was hosted entirely by the Odisha State Government.

Upon arriving in India, the Bangladeshi artistes were greeted with a grand reception at Bhubaneswar airport, marked by traditional floral showers. The nine performers from "Kolpotoru" dance school, an affiliate of Shadhona, were warmly welcomed as representatives of Bangladesh's cultural excellence.

At the festival, the troupe captivated the audience with a series of performances inspired by the timeless works of Kobiguru Rabindranath Tagore and Bidrohi Kobi Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Their presentation masterfully combined traditional and contemporary dance forms, culminating in an energetic display of "Lathikhela" and "Raibeshe," two grassroots martial arts dances that are vital to Bangladesh's cultural identity.

The "Bali Yatra" Festival stands as a testament to the enduring cultural ties among the nations of South and Southeast Asia. It underscored the rich tapestry of shared heritage, art, and tradition that continues to strengthen the connection between India and Bangladesh.

Dr. Lubna Marium, principal of "Kolpotoru," shared her pride in the troupe's participation, emphasising the deeper significance of such exchanges. "The relationship between Bangladesh and India is profound and multi-dimensional," she remarked. "While differences may exist, they do not define the strength of our bond."

High Commissioner Pranay Verma highlighted the involvement of the Bangladeshi troupe in the festival as a reflection of the enduring people-to-people connections between the two nations. 

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He noted that their participation symbolised the mutual understanding and profound appreciation for the shared cultural traditions that unite Bangladesh and India.