Tagore's birth anniversary celebrated in a befitting manner

Prominent singers presenting a Tagore song

This verse written in Shelaidaha, exemplifies poet Rabindranath Tagore's thirst to discover the real beauty of the then East Bengal (now in Bangladesh).In 1891 Tagore went to East Bengal to manage his family's estates at Shilaidaha and Shazadpur for 10 years. Between 1861 and 1941, the poet spent only 10 years in Shelaidah, Kushtia.

Those 10 years were an important milestone in the poet's life. This is evident in his wonderful letters that portray the real essence of Bengal and Bangalee life, written to his niece Indira, which was later published as Chhinnopatra. The lyrical beauty of Bangladesh, the rivers, the boats, the simple life of the people gave the poet serenity as well as inspired him to write The Postmaster, Sonar Tari(Poetry Collections), Chitrangada(Play) and many more.

Most of his finest short stories were written in this period.

As in previous years, the government of Bangladesh celebrated the 144th birth anniversary of poet Rabindranath Tagore. And the main programme was scheduled at Shilaidah in Kushtia. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs recently chalked out a two-day programme started on May 8, to mark the occasion.

Presided over by the State Minister for Cultural Affairs Selima Rahman; Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain inaugurated the programme on May 8. Minister for Jute and Textile Shahjahan Siraj was special guest.

The cultural programme started an hour late. The artistes Nargis Chowdhury, Niloufer Banu Lily, Fahim Hossain Chowdhury and Mohiuzzaman Moina sang in chorus Chiro notunere dilo daak pochishey baishakh. After Bhashwar Bandapadhyay's solo recital the timeless songs: Amar praner manush achhey praney by Nargis, Ami chinigo chini by Fahim, Tumi kemon korey gaan koro hey guni by Niloufer and Amar ei poth cholatey anondo by Moina, delighted the audience.

Tagore's famous dance-drama Chandalika, directed by Sharmila Bandyopadhyay, was another magnificent piece.

The next day the artistes from Chittagong,Kumarkhali, Bheramara, Kushtia, Doulotpur and Khoksha performed a medley of cultural activities related to Tagore.

Apart from Shelaidah, Tagore's birth anniversary was also observed at Dakhhindihi, Khulna. On this occasion, a three-day long folk festival was held recently. The Mayor of Khulna City Corporation Tayebur Rahman inaugurated the programme. The first day's programme was performed by the local artistes, while the second day's 40-minute programme, performed by the Dhaka artistes, enthralled the crowd.

Two other programmes on the poet's birth anniversary were held at Shahjadpur of Sirajganj and Patisar of Naogaon.

Staff Correspondent, Rajshahi
The Bangla New Year comes with the scorching heat, accompanied with a medley of music, luscious fruits and more.

On the 25th of Boishak, ( the first month of the year) Sangeeta Sangeet Biddyalay (SSB), at Rajshahi, located at Kadirganj area organised a musical soiree to celebrate the 144th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. The programme was organised at Grish Chandra Hall, where Tagore is said to have attended a literary conference. Ustad Abdul Malek Khan, was the chief guest. Khondoker Abu Bakar, regional director of Rajshahi Betar, Ustad Shamsuzzaman, were present as special guests. SSB president Ashfaqul Asekin chaired a discussion on Tagore's life.

A festive mood ushered in samples of Rabindra Sangeet by Ustad Shamsuzzaman, Mehedi Hasan, Ayesha, Molee, Quazi Mantu and Ferdaus Ara.