Silver Jubilee of “Banaphul Lok Lokaloy” celebrated

An artiste from the indigenous community sings at the programme Photo: STAR

Silver Jubilee of the BTV programme, Banaphul Lok Lokaloy, highlighting the culture and traditions of the ethnic groups, was celebrated in Khagrachhari recently with a call for upholding rights and culture of these communities.
The colourful programmes also drew local Bengalis in large numbers. Different government organisations including Khagrachhari Hill District Council (KHDC) and some indigenous forums chalked out a two-day programme on the occasion.
Traditionally attired indigenous girls and children bedecked with flowers and men carrying drums, bows and arrows performed their dances and rendered songs on the roads of the hill town. People in large numbers lined up to enjoy the cultural programmes.
The programme began with a big procession that comprised around 1,000 people including members of the local ethnic communities. Noted personality and KHDC chairman, Monindra Lal Tripura inaugurated the procession.
Representatives of the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Pangkhu communities as well as local Bengalis took part in the procession. They carried placards and banners highlighting the demand of the ethnic communities in the country.
A discussion was held at the District Shilpakala Auditorium with KHDC member Animesh Dewan Nandith in the chair.
Speakers said that Banaphul Lok Lokaloy begun on January 6, 1983 with an aim to promote and project the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of the country. They also demanded that more such programmes should be aired on the TV channels.
In Khagrachhari, the Tribal Cultural Institute organised a programme on the occasion.