Music festival by Rangpur Bhawaiya Academy

Artistes perform at the musical programme.Photo: STARRafique Sarker, Rangpur

Rangpur Bhawaiya Academy recently held a two-day 'Bhawaiya Festival' at the local town hall to observe the 108th birth anniversary of the folk legend Abbasuddin Ahmed.

The organisation held a competition on bhawaiya songs and dances for children on October 29. Around 300 children, divided into three groups, participated in the competition.

A cultural show with bhawaiya songs and dances, and a discussion on the life and works of Abbasuddin were held at the same venue on the evening of October 30.

Among the dignitaries present that day were the acting chairman of Bhawaiya Academy, Dhaka, Nadira Begum; secretary general Azizul Islam and chief advisor of Bhawaiya Academy Asadul Habib Dulu.

Bhawaiya is a popular musical form in northern Bangladesh, especially in greater Rangpur region as well as in West Bengal, India (particularly Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri districts).

According to folk researchers, in the past coachmen used to sing bhawaiya, while driving their cow-drawn-cart.

Bhawaiya songs depict the will and woes of common people.

Abbasuddin is considered to be the first bhawaiya artiste who picked up this art in rural northern Bengal, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri, and established it as a melodious form of music in urban and semi-urban areas.

At the discussion at Rangpur Town Hall, the speakers gave glimpses of Abbasuddin's life. They also expressed their admiration for the legendary singer who devoted his life to music, especially bhawaiya.

The speakers emphasised the need for government patronage in upholding the art form. They urged the government to set up a Bhawaiya Academy in northern Bangladesh.

After the discussion, 10 artistes, music directors and organisers of Rangpur were awarded for their outstanding performances.

At the cultural function, Nadira Begum, Azizul Islam, Rezeka Sultana Fancy, Yasmeen Begum, KM Samrat and Sirajuddin rendered bhawaiya songs.