On a chilly December evening in Hatbati village, under the open sky, the air was filled with a sense of nostalgia and excitement. Wrapped in warm shawls and blankets, villagers from Batiaghata upazila in Khulna gathered at the District Satsang Ashram Centre to witness something that many thought was slowly fading away: a Jatra Pala performance.

For decades, Jatra Pala -- an elaborate blend of storytelling, music, and dance -- had been a cornerstone of rural Bangladesh's winter celebrations. After the autumn harvest, entire communities would come together to enjoy nightlong performances, losing themselves in tales of history, folklore, and social values. But in recent years, this vibrant tradition had been overshadowed by the rapid rise of technology and changing cultural preferences.

This year, however, a glimmer of hope emerged. The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, in collaboration with its Khulna District branch, organised a seven-day Jatra Festival to breathe new life into this nearly forgotten art form.

Starting on December 19, the festival transformed Hatbati village into a hub of activity. Each night till December 25, hundreds of spectators, young and old, flocked to the stage. Some brought makeshift stools, while others simply sat on the ground, huddled together to ward off the cold.

The performances were nothing short of mesmerising. With expressive dialogues, stirring music, and vibrant costumes, the troupes transported the audience to another world -- one where tradition and creativity thrived hand in hand.

"I hadn't seen a Jatra in years," said Tripti Bairagi, a resident of Chak Soilmari village. "People stayed until the very end, even past midnight. That shows how deeply this art form resonates with us. But the venue was too small, and many had to sit on the roadside."

Schoolteacher Palash Roy of Khalsibunia village said, "Jatra Pala was once a powerful medium for promoting social harmony. It's heartbreaking to see it fade away due to economic struggles and changing times."

While the festival reignited interest in Jatra, it also exposed the challenges of preserving such a rich cultural tradition. Over the past 15 years, administrative restrictions had confined Jatra performances to indoor stages, stripping them of their traditional open-air allure. Many troupes struggled financially, with little to no government support.

"Artistes are eager to return to open spaces," said Faiz Zahir, director of the Department of Theater and Film at Shilpakala Academy. "That's where Jatra truly thrives -- accessible to everyone, free from barriers."

Shariful Islam Salim, general secretary of Nattyalok in Khulna, said, "The government must step in. Grants and honorariums are essential to keep troupes afloat. Without support, this art form will vanish."