Celebration of the Victory Day

The boat-race team from Indrabari, Jamalpur performing Sari gaan

On the eve of the 34th Victory Day celebration, the Liberation War Museum organised a memorable presentation of patriotic andSarisongs by Jatiyo Rabindrasangeet Sammilon Parishad and a boat-race team from Indrabari, Jamalpur. 'The present generation was not witness to the glorious era of 1971. But through history, which never lies, the new generation has learnt about the greatest period of the Bangalees. That is why they are here to celebrate the Victory Day. It is the biggest consolation for the true freedom fighters today,' said theatre personality Aly Zaker in his welcome speech.

The metropolitan branch of Jatiyo Rabindrasangeet Sammilon Parishad performed patriotic songs in the first part of the programme. The members rendered different patriotic songs like Aji Bangladesher hridoy hotey, Bolo bolo re shobey Bangaleer joy, Muktiro mandirey shopano toley, Amader nanan moter and Ei uttal janashamudra. Their spirited rendition touched the hearts of the audience. Being performers of Rabindra Sangeet, the expertise of these artistes in rendering folk songs was noteworthy. The function was unique in a way as the prominent singers gave the youngsters an opportunity to perform on stage.

Bulbul Islam's superb rendering of Sharthak janam amar and O amar desher mati won applause from the audience. The spotlight on the singer made for an appealing ambience, while the only instrumental accompaniment was the harmonium.

Sharmin Shathi Islam rendered Dhonyo ami jonmechhi ei deshey with her melodious voice. Khairul Anam Shakil was the final performer of the first half of the programme.

The second half of the programme featured an extraordinary item, Sari gaan, songs performed by boat-race teams. Since a distant past the people of the char areas have proudly preserved this folk treasure of our country. Led by two siblings Adam Ali and Imam Ali, the 23-member team rendered one long song in their regional dialect. Despite the incomprehensible lyrics, the performance was hugely cheered by the audience. Aged from 15 to 50 years, all the members of the group were deeply devoted and sincere while singing and miming the boat-rowing. The first powerful beats on the dhol greatly attracted the audience.

With only two instruments, a dhol and a mandira, the team performed the dance and song. The song had a nostalgic tinge which intensely moved the audience.