A five-day photo exhibition on the life, norms, culture, festivals and stories of the Hajong people, an ethnic group from northern parts of Bangladesh, ended at the Jahangirnagar University (JU) Saturday.
“The Story of Hajong Tale” by Ruposhree Hajong, a masters student of the fine arts department of JU, started Tuesday to let people know more about the ways of Hajong – mainly living in Haluaghat and Dhobaura of Mymensingh; Shribordi, Jhinaigati and Nalitabari of Sherpur; Sunamganj Sadar upazila, Dhorompasha, Taherpur, Bishwambharpur and Duarabazar of Sunamganj – life.
Twenty-four photos were showcased at The Story of Hajong Tale.
‘The Story of Hajong Tale’ at JU draws to a close
The Hajongs in Bangladesh speak Bangla as their main language; their children are educated in Bangla at school and converse with others in it.
However, Hajongs use their own language to communicate among themselves. As they do not have any alphabet, they use the letters of Asamiya.
“Bagare Buga, Abu Gubai, Agbariya Thuga,” which is the theme of one of Ruposhree’s paintings based on a Hajong story, meaning “Oh heron! Take me! Take me to my grandmother.” She heard the story from her grandmother. This is an example of how Hajong stories have been passed down orally from generation to generation.
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Ruposhree said: “I wanted to weave the Hajong culture through the paintings. Much of Hajong cultural tradition is in danger of disappearing as it is not being preserved.”
“I have showcased the life, norms, struggles, festivals, including gratitude to the mountains, and stories of Hajongs through my paintings.”
Source: United News of Bangladesh