Adivasi Cultural Festival ends
Thousands of years before the Bangali nation existed in the domain we now call our motherland, the Santals and Bheems inhabited this land. They are the indigenous people of this land. The Adivasis of Bangladesh demonstrate an array of unique cultures, traditions and much more. Their diverse languages and cultural heritage enrich the collective culture of Bangladesh. Eleven indigenous communities in the southeast; Santal, Oraon, Munda, Malo, Mahato, Koch, Rajbangshi in the north; the Garos and Hajongs in the north-central plains; Monipuri, Khasi, Patra and tea garden communities in the northeast; Rakhaings in the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Barguna and Patuakhali districts have distinct features in their cultural life.
The guests of honour on the last day of the festival were: Tania Haque, Santosh Soren and Farida Akter. The chairperson was Philip Gain, the director of the Society for Environment and Human Development (SEHD).
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The guests concurred in their view that the country exemplified unity within diversity. Thus while there were people of different ethnicities, attire, food habits and even facial appearances, they pointed out that Bangladeshis have to realise that they are all in the same boat.
Besides the cultural presentation, an exhibition was held with displays of Adivasi musical instruments, appliances used by the indigenous people in their daily lives and handloom made by them.
The cultural show began with a Tanchangya chorus song , followed by a traditional Manipuri dance Raashleela, depicting the eternal love for Krishna in the hearts of his devotees. The audience was mesmerised by the graceful movements and their ornate costumes. The Khyang artists then performed a dance that commemorates the harvest of 'jhum chash'. Manipuri dancers performed other dance recitals like Goshtho, Mondira and Mridanga. Khyangs rendered O Hom O Hom Pidumey and a chorus song that celebrates the new year. The Tanchangyas performed Gongkhuli.
The event came to an end with hopes of better understanding of the indigenous people and their culture.