Celebrating the season in style

A Baul singer performs at the programme.

'Sharod Utshab' (autumn festival) was held recently at Rabindra Mancho, Lokayan Museum premises, in Akcha village, under Thakurgaon district.
To celebrate the season, Lokayan Museum authorities organised the festival. The programme featured Rabindra Sangeet, adhunik and folk songs, and poetry recitation.
The event started with rendition of the Rabindra Sangeet “Sharod Pratey Amar Raat Pohalo” by the programme deputy manager of Polli Kormo Shahayak Foundation. Among the artistes who gave solo performances were Mehedi Hasan, Sanwar Hossain, Mostafizur Rahman and Dinabandhu Das.
Chairman of Lokayan Muhammmad Shahid Uz Zaman recited a poem at the programme.
The programme ended with a chorus of the Rabindra Sangeet “Amra Gethechi Shefali Malika Tomaro Biday Bela”.
Following the performances a discussion was held at the venue.
The discussants were of the view that over the ages Bengali poets and litterateurs have eulogised 'Sharod' as a symbol of purity. Rabindranath illustrated the many aspects of nature in this season through his songs.
They also appreciated the museum's initiative to celebrate the seasons with cultural programmes. Such initiatives would help promote and uphold our heritage and culture, they expressed.
Lokayan Chairman Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman said in his speech, “Usually museums preserve objects and memorabilia related to empires, rulers and other renowned persons. We have taken a different approach to preserving objects that represent the lifestyle of our common people, like farmers' hats, fishing tools, different types of ploughs, indigenous weapons used for hunting, local musical instruments, documents of agreements between landowners and farmers, rural clothes etc.”
“We want to promote and preserve our traditions and heritage for the coming generations,” he added.
Among others, Deputy Manager of PKSF Rezanur Rahaman; assistant manager of PKSF Kopil Kumer Pal and Principal of Eco Pathshala Selima Akhter spoke at the discussion.
Nirmol Mojumder conducted the programme.