Aarong celebrates 4 decades of showcasing Bangladeshi crafts

A three-day grand celebration will open at the Dhaka Army Stadium tomorrow (October 25) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Aarong, Bangladesh's most popular lifestyle retail chain.

The 'Aarong 40 Years Festival' will be open to public, and will celebrate the rich heritage of Bangladeshi craft and its artisans, Aarong officials said at a press conference at the city's BRAC Centre.

"Aarong is the collaborative work of the people of Bangladesh - from women in rural areas, to master crafts-persons, to designers and administrators. Aarong has grown up with Bangladesh. This festival is a celebration of that special bond, 40 years of memories and a homage to the artisans who keep our heritage alive," Tamara Abed, Senior Director for Aarong and other BRAC enterprises, said at the press conference.

Participants at the festival will get to experience live craft demonstrations and take part in workshops with artisans from around the country at 11 different craft exhibits, reports a press release.

Special programmes during the festival include an awards ceremony recognising outstanding crafts-persons and entrepreneurs, the Aarong Fashion Show featuring specially designed collections by HERSTORY, TAAGA and TAAGA MAN and a concert with top Bangladeshi artists Nagar Baul James, Joler Gaan, Nemesis, and Minar.

Participants can also enjoy food stalls, a carnival area for children and special benefits at partner stalls throughout the festival, the press release adds.

Aarong was established in 1978 and now supports over sixty-five thousand rural artisans and handicraft producers and operates 20 retail stores.

Festival details are available on: http://www.aarong.com/news/aarong-40-years-festival-at-army-stadium/