Sometime around the '60s, then president of Pakistan, Ayub Khan, was to visit the Dhaka radio station at Shahbagh. Massive preparations were underway to put up an impressive show. As the youngest group at the station, we were preparing for a live performance and were training under eminent composers Abdul Ahad, Samar Das and Abdul Latif.

To honour those working tirelessly for the preservation, awareness and development of our rich culture and heritage, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) began honouring artistes and activists who have made significant contribution to the various fields of arts in the country in 2013.

A classical dance fiesta marking fifth anniversary celebration of regular monthly event “Nupur Bejey Jaye” was held at the main auditorium of Chhayanaut, Dhanmondi in Dhaka on February 19.

The second auditions of the Rupchanda-The Daily Star Super Chef took place in the quiet city of Bogra.

The 25th death anniversary of Nurul Momen, known as 'Natyaguru' for his pioneering roles in modernising theatre in Bangladesh, was observed on February 16. This month also marks the 70th anniversary of modern world-class drama in the country.

The second book on theatre by noted elocutionist Bhaswar Bandyopadhyay was recently launched at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2015. The book, “Obhiggyan Natyokotha” contains 18 articles on theatrical art, which the author thinks will equally help theatre enthusiasts and professionals. The book, which discusses different forms of theatre and pioneering playwrights of world theatre, is available at the stall of Sahitya Prakash.

Through a musical soiree and dance sequences, artistes of Mymensingh Shilpakala Academy welcomed Spring at a programme at its auditorium Saturday evening.

The film “Taxi” by a dissident Iranian director has won the top prize at the 65th Berlin Film Festival.

Lady Gaga is to make her Oscars debut with a “special tribute performance” at this year's ceremony.

Winter is the time of hibernation; a long, deep sleep for many animals through the harsh weather. The end of winter, therefore, marks the awakening of nature; new leaves bloom out on trees, flowers blossom and bees hover around in search of nectar, as new life is injected in the air, and all the gloom and mist of winter is left behind.

The arrival of Pahela Falgun, the king of all seasons, is always greeted with a profusion of flowers, poetry, songs and dances.

A month long cultural programme marking International Mother Language Day is running at the Mukta Mancha of Suhrawardy Udyan.

Tagore, the towering figure of Bengali literature and culture, introduced a literary and cultural adda titled “Khamkheyali Sabha” in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1897. The Nobel laureate, along with luminaries including Promoth Chowdhury, Jagadish Chandra Bose, Chittaranjan Das, DL Roy, Atul Prasad and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay would assemble at someone's residence with prior notification through a letter. The assemblage continued for two years.

Mashiur Rahman (Jadu Miah) Smriti Sangsad starts its programmes chalked out in celebration of Jadu Miah's 68th anniversary of birth today (Tuesday).