DIFF 2018 takes off with an array of folk dances

The fourth installment of the Dhaka International Folk Festival (DIFF) at the Bangladesh Army Stadium opened with a vibrant and engaging dance performance by one of Bangladesh's top dance companies, Bhabna Nritya Dol, led by Samina Husain Prema. The presentation commenced with a folk piece, Shohag Chaand Bodoni Dhoni, performed by a group of girls in perfect synchrony, donned in an assortment of colourful sarees. The bubbly and charismatic composition truly set the tone for what is to come in the upcoming days of this year's iteration of DIFF. The second item was an indigenous dance performance, native to Tripura, known as Katharak Nritya, choreographed by Fifa Chakma. With nuanced and graceful steps, dancing atop kolshis, with glass bottles balanced on their heads and golden plates on both hands, the group performance was a mesmerising sight for the eyes. The third, and final, piece was a remarkable presentation of the martial art form, Raibeshe, against a resonant backdrop of the rhythmic syllables inherent to the style. Adorned with lathi khela, cartwheels, bamboo fights, two storied human structures, amongst many other stunts and tricks, the performance was a magnificent, crowd-pleasing conclusion to Bhabna Nritya Dol's performance. Samina Husain Prema, the artistic director of Bhabna Nritya Dol said, “We are truly honoured to be presenting Bangladesh's folk dances on such a prestigious, international platform. I am thankful to the organisers for facilitating such a significant global cultural exchange. Bhabna's aim has always been to represent Bangladesh's culture in the most accurate manner and our vision behind today's performance was no different.”

The second item was an indigenous dance performance, native to Tripura, known as Katharak Nritya, choreographed by Fifa Chakma.