Nabanno Utshab ¿05 celebrated

Artistes performing at the Nabanno Utshab. PHOTO: STAR

The event was inaugurated by noted language activist Abdul Matin early in the morning. Abdul Matin said, "Although such festivals are deeply rooted in rural Bangladeshi life, the celebrations have become Dhaka-centric. The organisers should arrange such programmes in the rural areas to ensure inclusion of the people living in villages."

After the welcoming speech by the convener of the organisation, Shahriar Salam, cultural activists Kamal Lohani, Hasian Mumtaz, Golum Kuddus, Habibur Rahman Khan, Professor Jatin Sarkar, Dr Ashraf Siddiqui and social activist Khushi Kabir also spoke on the occasion.

The cultural programme started its morning session with the solo flute recital of Murtaja Bashir Murad. Laila Afroz and Bhaswar Bandyapadhyay recited poetry and artistes Aniket Acharya, Abul Fatah Polash, Sharmin Shathi Moyna, Altaf Hossain rendered songs at the occasion. The members of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Goshthi performed chorus songs. Choreographed by Anik Bashu, cultural organisation Spandan presented a group dance.

The members of Nrityanandan presented a dance piece choreographed by Sharmila Bandyapadhyay. Recitation group Muktadhara Shangskriti Charcha Kendra presented a group recitation of Hemonto Nandita Bango. Bashar Abbasi and his group performed Shari Gaan. Jari Gaan by Saidur Rahman Boyati and his group followed.

The art works by children were on display at the Institute premises. An exhibition of Pithas (rice cakes) was also held at the festival. Earlier the organisers brought out a rally with colourful festoons from the venue.

Singers, including Jhuma Khondokar, Mahbubul Haydar Mohan, Rabeya Borsha, Jannatul Ferdous Lucky, Bijon Chandra Mistri, Kalpona Rajbonshi, Nirgis Chowdhury, Mamun Zahid Khan, Bulbul Moholanobish, Arif Rahman, Biswajit Ray, Lily Islam, Biman Chandra Biswas, Rupu Khan, Fahim Hossain Chowdhury, Mahzabin Rahman, Tapon Majumder, Sajed Akbar, Fakir Shahabuddin, Nasima Shahin Fancy, Shamar Barua, Shyama Rahman, Shelu Barua, Khayrul Anam Shakil, Rebeka Sultana and others rendered songs in the afternoon session of the programme.

Members of cultural group Kranti, Rishijo, Protiti, Dhrubatan and Ustad Momtaz Ali Academy rendered group songs. Group dances were performed by dance groups Khelaghar, Ananya, Benuka, Nrityalok and Sukonya. Mohibul Islam Mahi, Shimul Mustafa, Rafiqul Islam, Ahkamullah and Gulam Sarwar recited poetry at the event. The day-long programme ended with group songs.