Nabanna Utsav in the metropolitan
The celebration of the Nabanna Utsab in Dhaka has already created great enthusiasm among people of all classes. The programme began with classical and folk tunes in flute accompanied by tabla by Murtaja Kabir Murad and Tulshi Saha. Veteran Poet Shamsur Rahman inaugurated the festival while prominent cultural personalities like Mamunur Rashid, Kazi Modina, Mahmud Selim, Hasina Momtaz and many others attended the programme. Shubha Rahman gave the note of thanks.
People in Bangladesh, have been celebrating Nabanna for centuries mainly in the rural areas. Celebration begins soon after harvesting of the crops. Farmers return home with loads of golden paddy on their head. There is joy everywhere, the children frisk in the yard as the cattle go round and round thrashing the paddy, separating it from the stalks.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The daylong colourful programme was enhanced by folk songs, Pala-gaan and Kirton, songs of Hason Raja, Rabindranath and Nazrul Islam along with those of present times followed by dances. Mangal Chandra Mandal and his troupe presented Pala Kirton and entertained the audience. A colourful rally and a painting competition for children also took place as a part of the celebration.
The festival surely gave the city dwellers a unique opportunity to spend their weekly holiday in a festive mood. Many of them came with their family with a view to introducing the new generation with their cultural roots. The spectators had the opportunity to enjoy the many rural delicacies like pithas, muri, khoi, khir etc. sold at the small stalls at the venue.
In the evening the audience enjoyed Baul songs and other cultural sessions featuring songs, recital of poems and dances. The programme ended with the national anthem at about 9:00pm.