Dhaka: Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is set to organize a five-day cultural program from April 13 to 17 in celebration of Chaitra Sankranti and Bangla New Year 1433.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event, supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will feature cultural festivals, performances by ethnic minority groups, and a Baishakhi fair, all open to the public.
The program will showcase an array of rural traditions and folk cultural elements. Attendees can expect dhol performances, lathi khela, kite flying, spinning top games, jari, sari, and puthi recitations, as well as jatra, kobigan, gazir gaan, gambhira, bhawaiya songs, film screenings, and various Baishakhi fair attractions.
The inaugural ceremony is scheduled for April 13 at 3 pm at the academy's open stage, with Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury as the chief guest, and Chief Whip of Jatiya Sangsad Nurul Islam Moni as the special guest. The first day will also see the opening of a Bangladesh folk art exhibition at Gallery-4 of the National Art Gallery building. A 50-member orchestra will perform "Tora Sab Joydhoni Kor", followed by a Dhamaail dance featuring 30 performers.
Continuing the celebration, the first day's folk performances will include jari and puthi recitations, along with performances by ethnic minority communities. The Shilpakala Academy repertory jatra unit will stage a jatra production titled "Rahim Badshah Rupban Kanya".
On April 14, a vibrant procession will commence from the academy premises, complemented by mass singing of the national anthem and "Eso He Baishakh". The day's events will include performances of kobigan, gazir gaan, gambhira, baul songs, and presentations by ethnic communities.
April 15 will feature a cultural program at the National Theatre Hall with performances by JASAS. Music direction will be handled by Ethen Bablu, alongside an acrobatic performance by the Rajbari Shilpakala Academy troupe.
On April 16, ethnic cultural performances titled "Jati Boichitro Baishakhi Utsab" will be showcased, followed by a puppet show titled "Bacherer Bie" at 7 pm at the Experimental Theatre Hall.
The festivities will conclude on April 17 with performances of Jalalgeeti, Bhawaiya, Baul songs, and ethnic group presentations, along with band music by Shilpakala Academy and guest artists. The closing program will also feature a screening of the film "Beder Meye Josna" directed by Tozammel Haque Bokul.