A Medley of Folk Melodies at Charukala
The nightlong programme highlighted the opulent heritage of Bengali folk music and its sub-genres. Photo: Golam Mahbub
As a tribute to eminent cultural activist and Tagore exponent Waheedul Haque, a driving force behind the nationalist cultural movement for decades, Chhayanat arranged a nightlong musical programme titled "Desh Ghar-er Gaan 1417" on March 16. Featuring the opulent heritage of Bengali folk music, the programme was held at Bakultala, Faculty of Fine Arts (also known as Charukala), Dhaka University. Veteran singer Sushoma Das inaugurated the programme.
Dasharath Das kicked off the event with solo dhol recital. Dasharath was jubilant in every beat he produced with other accompanying instrumentalists among whom the flautist stood apart as he moved the audience with his nostalgia inducing melody.
General Secretary of Chhayanaut, Khairul Anam Shakil, delivered the welcome speech on the occasion. Director General of Bangla Academy Shamsuzzaman Khan spoke highly of the arrangement.
Quoting Waheedul Haque, Khairul Anam Shakil said, "If we are to know real music, we have to feel and savour the true taste of that music belonging to the folk traditions."
"Chhayanaut's 'Desh Ghar-er Gaan' is a commendable endeavour. As a pioneering cultural organisation, the role of Chhayanaut in our cultural development is outstanding. We greatly appreciate this multidimensional, deep-rooted and reflective arrangement," said Shamsuzzaman Khan.
Waheedul Haque believed that it would not be possible to form a complete impression of our culture, without becoming familiar with our folk music -- rooted in our traditions. Upholding this ideal, Chhayanat has been arranging this programme for the last five years, highlighting various forms of folk songs practiced in different parts of the country.
The nightlong soiree included Kobi Gaan, Kirtan, Gambhira, Pala Gaan, Baul Gaan, Bhawaiya, Radharaman O Rashiklal-er Gaan and Fakir Lalon Shai-er Gaan. Aside from Chhayanaut's regular artistes, renowned artistes and troupes from all over the country performed at the programme.
Veteran folk singer Sushoma Das, from Sylhet, was the first to perform at the event. From the moment she breathed life into her first song "O Amar Shyam Biney Pran Banchey Na", a Radharaman composition, the artiste demanded undivided attention. She also performed a Rashiklal number, "Jaishtha Mashey Aam Kathaler" and a Shah Abdul Karim song "Ekhon Ami Ki Koribo".
Kirtan performances by Goshai Das and his troupe from Faridpur followed. Chhayanaut artiste Nadira Begum, along with Bhupatibhushan Borma and Parul Roy from Kurigram, performed Bhawaiya songs on the occasion. Sirajuddin Khan Pathan from Netrakona offered Baul songs. Upendranath Roy and his troupe from Lalmonirhat presented Pala Gaan while Rawshan Ali and his troupe from Narail and Sanjoy Mallik and his troupe from Jessore performed Kobi Gaan.
Chhayanaut artiste Chandana Majumdar performed songs of Fakir Lalon Shai. Her repertoire highlighted the predicaments of a lost soul -- searching for the ultimate truth. How does one find eternal solace? Lalon provided the most sensible answer, that is, through serving and appreciating humanity.
Gambhira performance by Mahbubul Alam and his troupe from Chapainawabganj was outstanding and was received with rounds of applause.
The soiree ended on a high note, leaving the audience craving for more and an incredible vibe lingering under the Bokul tree at Charukala.
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