Songs of hundred mystic poets
The chairman of Bangladesh Lok Sangeet Porishad, Indra Mohon Rajbongshi said that he was amazed by the overwhelming presence of the lovers of folk songs. 'We want to verify whether there is any interest left among the common people about the rare and invaluable folk songs. And we wanted to remind the people of our rich cultural roots too.'
The main objective of this festival is to popularise the traditional songs of the country especially those which are on the verge of extinction. 'These songs need to be practised with care. Some of the popular numbers sung nowadays are loosing their originality,' Indro Mohon said. 'We felt that these songs must be preserved and presented in a manner so that its originality is reinstated once more.'
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The most widely spread art of folk music is practised both in the city and the rural areas. This music attracts people from all walks of life and has a universal appeal. Therefore, 'we must present the creativity of our ancestors to the new generation. And this is our main objective behind holding this festival,' said Indra Mohon.
A large crowd gathered at the Public Library auditorium. The programme, however, started much later than the scheduled time. Both eminent and promising singers performed rare and invaluable folk songs in front of the enthusiastic crowd. Fatema Tuz Zohra presented Nazrul song Tumi Loho Probhu and Prem Shukh Shar Krishna Rashakar by Haurey Goshai. Sadi Mohammad rendered songs of Tagore and Rajanikant Sen. Dipti Rajbongshi, Shirajus Salekin, Nadira Begum, Zahir Aleem, Shammi Akhtar and others performed many uncommon songs of the mystic poets like Kadali Pa, Kanai Lal Shil, Goshai Anukul, M Sirajuddin, Erfan Fakir, Madan Fakir, Hason Raja, Hafizur Rahman, Momtaz Ali Khan, Dwij Das, Gagan Harkara, Ramkamal Shadhu and others.