Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy came alive yesterday with the Sadhumela, a celebration of mystic music, poetry, and cultural performances. The event, titled "Manush Bhojle Shonar Manush Hobi", was notably attended by chief guests Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Ministry of Cultural Affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.

The fair featured a range of solo and ensemble performances, organised by the Academy's music, dance, and recitation departments, bringing the spirit of Bangladeshi culture to the forefront. At the heart of the gathering was a message of unity through art, with a special focus on Lalon's teachings of love and humanity.

Syed Jamil Ahmed, director general of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, presided over the event, highlighting the Academy's commitment to inclusivity. "Shilpakala Academy is open to people of all faiths, races, and ideologies. We invite everyone to express their thoughts through music and art, spreading their ideas far and wide," he said. His remarks underscored the importance of cultural spaces where individuals can express themselves freely.

In his speech, Jamil Ahmed reflected on the timeless wisdom of Lalon Shah, the mystic poet revered for his messages of compassion and love for humanity. "Lalon Sainji stands at the centre of our mystic songs. He inspires us to love and embrace humanity," he said. However, he also pointed to the struggles faced by those who promote love, noting, "It is unfortunate that those who preach love often face attacks because they wish to embrace others with open arms. At Shilpakala, we condemn these attacks and call for an end to such violence."

Both Asif Nazrul and Mostofa Sarwar Farooki attended the event with their families, engaging in the spirit of the evening. Their presence underscored Sadhumela's significance as a platform for artistic expression and fostering cultural dialogue. Nazrul and Farooki are both well-known for their contributions to law and cinema, respectively, making their attendance a moment of recognition for the fair's cultural and artistic impact.

The evening's performances celebrated Lalon's mysticism. Opening with the poignant Lalon song "Dhonnyo Dhonnyo Boli Tare", the song echoed through the venue and captured the audience. The programme ended with a collective performance of the famous Lalon song "Milan Hobe Koto Dine", leaving a lasting impression on the attendees.

Syed Jamil Ahmed took the opportunity to appreciate the efforts of the participating artistes, saying, "You have taught me how to practice devotion through your work. In your songs, you search for the purpose of life, a purpose that can guide us as a nation through these troubled times of instability and chaos. From you and baul sages like you, we find peace and a new way of thinking."

He urged the performers to continue their artistic journeys, stating, "Our role at Shilpakala Academy is to provide a platform for all forms of art—music, painting, film—so that these ideas can reach the public. The public is intelligent, they are not foolish. They will find their path through these artistic expressions."

The Sadhumela stood out as a beacon of cultural unity, with its diverse array of performances and meaningful discussions reflecting on the wisdom of the past while offering a vision for the future. The event also emphasised the importance of maintaining spaces for artistic freedom and encouraging a culture of open dialogue in Bangladesh.

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