Music, dance and elocution were the highlights of the evening session. Photo: Mumit M.

A colourful rally, led by Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Abul Kalam Azad and BSA Director General Liakat Ali Lucky, complete with singers and dancers, made its way through the academy precincts yesterday.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) is celebrating its 38th anniversary at the National Theatre Hall, where a vibrant cultural programme is being held.
Following the welcome address by Lucky, chief guest of the programme, Abul Kalam Azad inaugurated a two-day cultural programme consisting of three sessions.
Both noted and promising singers, dancer and elocutionists with a number of cultural organisations from across the country are taking part in the celebration programme.
Seasoned Bangladeshi dance gurus -- Minu Haque, Zinat Barkatullah, Sultana Haidar, Selina Haque, Emi Rahman, Chaina Chowdhury, Melee Hossain, Dolly Iqbal, Nilufar Wahid and Laila Hasan began the morning session with the Tagore song “Anandolokey Mongolalokey”. Next was a choral rendition of songs by child artistes of Ranota Shilpi Goshthi and the underprivileged youngsters of Surer Dhara. Dance and music performance dominated the morning session.
Choreographed by Warda Rihab, several artistes of Dhriti performed dances to two Tagore songs “Ora Okaroney Chanchal” and “Jodi Tor Daak Shuney Keu Na Ashey”. Warda incorporated both her artistry and experimental movements in the piece.
Two other dance presentations by the artistes of Dibya Shangskritik Sangathan and Nrityalaok Shangskritik Kendra followed. Deepa Khandakar and Kabirul Islam Ratan choreographed the pieces to a Tagore song “Anandadhara” and a classical fusion respectively. Choreographed by Anik Basu, artistes of Spondon also danced to a folk number “Boshonto Batashey Shoi Go” composed by Baul Shah Abdul Karim.
Nilmoni Singh and his troupe danced to the rhythm on mridanga while recitation troupe Charubak offered their group recital, “Bangla Bhasha Ma Amar” showcasing poems and songs of Ekush.
Bangladesh Sangeet Sangathan Samannay Parishad rendered a mash-up of several patriotic classics -- “O Amar Desh-er Mati”, “Eki Aparup Roop-e Ma Tomaye”, “Banglar Mukh Ami Dekhiachhi”, “Moder Garob Moder Asha”, “Amar Desh-er Matir Gondhey” and “Janmo Amar Dhonno Holo” at the event.
The audience swayed to the vibrant presentations of folk songs by artistes of Govt. Music College, while singers of Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Parishad, Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Parishad gave choral renditions.
Music, dance and elocution were the highlights of the evening session. The third and last session of the celebration will kick off today at 4 pm at the same venue.