Today is the 153rd birth anniversary of one of Bengali literature’s brightest stars, Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941). Different cultural organisations have chalked out an array of programmes at different venues to celebrate the timeless works of the Nobel Laureate poet, author, playwright, lyricist, musician and artist to mark the occasion.
A five-day National Rabindra Sangeet Festival began at Shawkat Osman Hall of Central Public Library on Tuesday evening.
Rabindrasangeet Shilpi Sangstha organised the event with the slogan ‘Dibey Ar Nibey, Milabey Milibey, Jabey Na Phirey’. The festival which hit its 25th year was inaugurated by information minister Hasanul Haq Inu who was present as the chief guest. Tapan Mahmud, president of the Sangstha was also present at the event. This year’s festival has been dedicated to recently deceased singers Bashir Ahmed and Azad Hafiz. One minute was observed in silence in memory of late legendary singer Manna Dey and noted actor Khaled Khan.
Cultural personality emeritus professor Anisuzzaman was honoured at the programme for his long standing contributions to the cultural arena of the country and also for his recent accolade Padma Bhusan, which he received from the government of India.
A chorus consisting of about 100 artistes presented few famous Tagore songs including Alo Amar Alo, Agun-er Parashmoni, Akash Bhora Shurjo Tara, and others. The programme also featured solo presentation by artistes of the Sangstha.
On the other hand, a two-day programme, organised by Bangladesh Rabindrasangeet Shilpi Sangsad, began at the Music and Dance Centre Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Tuesday to celebrate the birth anniversary of Tagore. The programme began with chorus rendition of Hey Natun Dekha Dik Arbar, Pran Bhoriye Trisha Hariye.
Artistes of the organisation Sharful Alam, Sarwar Hossain Babu, Badrunessa Dalia, Nasrin Akbar Rosy, Rabeya Akhter, Jharna Rahman, and others presented timeless songs of the poet including Amar Ei Poth Cholatai Ananda, Sokhi Bhabona Kahare Boley, Tumi Kon Kanoner Phul, Oi Ashon Toley, Bhenge Mor Ghorer Chabi, and many more.
Bangla Academy has also organised a programme on Wednesday afternoon at Rabindra Chattar at the academy. The programme featured discussion, recitation and presentation of songs by noted and upcoming artistes. Shamsuzzaman Khan, director general of the academy, professor Maksuduzzaman, professor Anisuzzaman, Syed Manzurul Islam, and others spoke at the programme.
Cultural organisation Chhayanaut’s two-day Tagore festival will begin at its main premises in Dhanmondi from today. About 60 Tagore singers from across the country will perform at the programme.
Channel-I has arranged a day-long Rabindra Fair at its office premises today. Prominent and promising artistes of the country will present Tagore songs and dance recitals on stage. The fair will also feature stalls of handicrafts, toys and foods along with 20 special stalls which will display books, CDs, films and other souvenirs on the Nobel Laureate poet. Dance organisations such as Boitalik, Shur Bihar, Dhrubatan, Nrittam, Nataraj, Bhorer Pakhi will present dance recitals with Tagore songs at the fair. The fair will begin at 10:00am and will continue till 2:00pm.
-With New Age input
