This December, the country is set to come alive with an extraordinary lineup of cultural festivities, organized by Shilpakala Academy to mark the country's month of victory. From Qawwali performances to theatre festivals, the month-long celebration promises something for everyone. These events, held across districts and major cities, aim to bring art and culture to the public, making them accessible to all.

At a press conference held on Wednesday in the National Theatre Seminar Room, Shilpakala Academy announced its ambitious lineup for December. The program covers an extensive range of activities, including Jatra festivals, instrumental music performances, songs commemorating the nation's historical uprisings, theatrical exhibitions, Qawwali, multimedia VR installations, and cultural shows. These events aim to create a platform for public engagement with the arts while honoring Bangladesh's history and heritage.

In addition to these performances, key national days like Victory Day and Martyred Intellectuals Day will be observed with commemorative programs. The events will feature everything from sculpture exhibitions to dramatic reenactments of the July Uprising, promising to make this year's December a blend of historical reflection and artistic expression.

Shilpakala Academy's Director General, Professor Syed Jamil Ahmed, underscored the Academy's mission to integrate the arts into everyday life. "We aim to place art and culture at the center of society," he said, adding that the Academy's initiatives seek to foster new ways of thinking while making the arts more accessible to the general public. "Through art, we want to create a space for critical questioning and engage people in shaping a new vision for Bangladesh."

The month's events will include performances by garment workers, biweekly discussions, and the launch of a new web journal. These, along with photography workshops for domestic workers, garment laborers, and rickshaw pullers, signal a clear effort to involve diverse communities in artistic production.

Key Events

On Thursday, Sylhet's Chandni Ghat saw a Qawwali performance by Dhaka's Samir Qawal and his troupe, supported by local artists. Today, Gazipur's Rajbari field will host "Songs of Mass Uprising," featuring performances by garment workers. Elsewhere, Netrokona's Birishiri Cultural Academy will celebrate the traditional Wangala festival of the Garo community.

Meanwhile, in Dhaka, the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chhobi'r Haat, Bot Tola, and Hakim Chattar will stage a theatrical performance, "Shono Mohajon Amra Hajarjon" ("Listen Master, We Are Many"), commemorating the spirit of mass uprisings.

The weekend will see the National Instrumental Music Festival in multiple cities, including Sylhet, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Chattogram. From December 8 to 12, a workshop focused on Nakshi Kantha embroidery will highlight student protests, while a film appreciation course is set to take place in Chattogram.

On December 13, Dhaka's Desh Natok will stage "Nityapurana," while Jessore's Bibartan theatre troupe will perform "Matbring" at Kushtia and Khulna. The Jatra festival will take place in Barguna from December 17 to 23 and in Khulna from December 19 to 25.

Victory Day, on December 16, will be celebrated at the Nandan Mancha in Dhaka's Shilpakala Academy. The Academy's new VR gallery will open on December 21, featuring a 360-degree multimedia exhibit as part of the 6th National Sculpture Exhibition.

Throughout December, cultural exhibitions and performances will be held in districts such as Thakurgaon, Manikganj, Sirajganj, and Faridpur, ensuring that this month's artistic celebrations reach people from all walks of life.

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