Country’s largest theatre festival to kick off on October 6

Ganga Jamuna Cultural Festival is considered the largest celebration of Bengali culture in Bangladesh. The 12-day-long cultural festival will begin on October 6, featuring plays, recitals, musical and dance performances, and street theatre. A total of 145 teams from Bangladesh and India will participate, including children and young performers.

Organised by Ganga Jamuna Shangskritik Porshod, the event will take place at the National Theatre Hall, Experimental Theatre Hall and Studio Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), and Dr Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium of Mohila Samity.

Eminent cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar will inaugurate the event at the National Theatre Hall of BSA. Additionally, around 4000 artistes will attend the event this year.

The valiant cultural warriors of our nation have upheld our rich cultural heritage and traditions for centuries, demonstrating great pride and resilience, especially during the backdrop of the historic Liberation War that secured Bangladesh's hard-earned independence.

Cultural enthusiasts have rallied a significant following, and collectively, they have been actively promoting our culture through music, dance, recitations, street performances, and stage dramas.

The primary objective of the Ganga-Jamuna Cultural Festival is to enhance the exchange of diverse cultural experiences between Bangladesh and India and strengthen the bonds of friendship among their people. This festival has been held for the past 11 years and continues to thrive as it works towards achieving its goal.

State Minister of Cultural Affairs K M Khalid will grace the ocassion as the chief guest, while eminent cultural personalities, including Asaduzzaman Noor, Mamunur Rashid, and Liakat Ali Lucky, will be present as the speakers of the inaugural ceremony.

The welcome address will be delivered by the Secretary of the Festival Committee Akhtaruzzaman, and the event will be presided by the convener of the Festival Committee Ghulam Kuddus.

Additionally, the inaugural segment will feature national anthem, dance performances, and lighting lamps.

On the first day of the festival, the following plays will be staged at the National Theatre Hall— "Meraz Fokirer Maa" by the troupe Theatre, written and directed by Abdullah Al Mamun. Another play, "Bhogoban Paliye Gechhe" by the troupe Batighar, written and directed by Muktonil.
 

Under the direction of Manas Koiri, the play "1971", based on Humayun Ahmed's play, will be staged at the Studio Theatre Hall.

The daily cultural segment on the open stage is scheduled from 4 pm to 6:30 pm, followed by theater performances starting at 7 pm. Tickets for the theater shows can be obtained via the BD Tickets website or purchased directly from the venue's counter starting at 4 pm. The festival will run until October 17.

The Ganga-Jamuna Cultural Festival 2023 will have its inaugural ceremony in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Southeast Bank Ltd.