Week-long Vietnam Cultural Festival begins
Begum Selima Rahman, State Minister for Cultural Affairs formally inaugurated the event. As the chief guest of the programme she said, "Bangladesh and Vietnam have cultural exchange programmes. This helps the enrichment of both the cultures."
Earlier after the welcome speech by the Secretary, Ministry of the Cultural Affairs, Ehsan Shamim NDC, the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Ngo Van Hoa delivered his speech. As the special guest of the show, he said, "Vietnam has had diplomatic relations with Bangladesh for 32 years. This is the second time that the Vietnamese cultural delegates have come to visit Bangladesh on the occasion of the National Day of Vietnam. Organising such programmes will strengthen the relationship between these two countries and widen the multi-faceted cooperation between the countries."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. After the discussion session, the Vietnamese artistes staged a dazzling cultural show. The programme began with the dance performance with an orchestra titled Royal Music which has been recognised as a world heritage by UNESCO in 2003. Different ethnic and traditional musical instruments were complemented by brightly attired dancers. The dance piece was followed by a modern day lullaby. Several traditional instruments made of bamboo, that included flutes and an instrument similar to a xylophone were used in the performance. The piece was soothing.
Next the visiting artistes played a popular and traditional Bangladeshi tune in string instruments with well deserved applause. The next item, The Dance of Lodo Girls, was one of the most fascinating pieces of the show. Lodo is one of the 56 ethnic groups of Vietnam and has a rich culture. Draped in bright yellow tops and skirts, the beautiful Lodo girls presented graceful dances. Wearing red shoes and multi-coloured ornate caps; they performed to a melodious tune that repeats a single word --Leeya.
The team leader rendered a ballad Waiting for you, my lady followed by another melodious track. Three girls in black glittering gowns in the chorus accompanied the singer.