Chhayanaut celebrations

Marking the 113th birth anniversary of our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Chhayanaut Shangskriti Bhaban organised a two day celebration starting from May 25, at the main auditorium of Chhayanaut.
Discussion, solo and choral renditions, recitation and dance performances, featuring noted and promising artistes and cultural organisations marked the opening day's programme.
Artistes of Chhayanaut welcomed the packed audience with the rendition of a choral song "Rumjhum Rumjhum". General secretary of Chhayanaut, Khairul Anam Shakil delivered the welcome address. Professor Bishwajit Ghosh of the Department of Bengali Literature of Dhaka University delivered an insightful speech on Kazi Nazrul Islam. President of Chhayanaut Deshikottom Dr. Sanjida Khatun presided over the session.
"The practice of Nazrul literature is relevant to us even today because of the rebel poet's staunch anti-colonial, anti-fundamentalist and anti-communal stance. Nazrul sings songs of the human spirit and upholds the conscience of humanity above all. We should therefore carry on Nazrul practice, not partially but completely," said Bishwajit Ghosh.
The presentation of a group dance with a live choral performance of the song "Dao Shourjo Dao Dhoirjo" by the artistes of Chhayanaut followed.
Several solo renditions were a treat for connoisseurs of classical music, as the high point of Nazrul compositions is the blossoming of various ragas. Nazrul not only excelled in incorporating ragas in his compositions, he even created some raga and taal -- a unique feat in Bengali music.
Set on Raga "Pilu", accomplished vocalist and a teacher of Chhayanaut Priyanka Gope moved the audience with her soulful rendition of the song “Sur-e O Banir Mala Diye Tumi”. Noted singer Salahuddin Ahmed captured the melody of Raga "Khamaj" in his pristine performance of the song "Amar Kon Kuley Aaj Bhirlo Tori". Iftekhar Alam Pradhan Dollar produced beats of laggi on dadra during the performance.
Based on a romantic Raga "Rageshree", Anindita Chowdhury was immaculate in the lyrical and melancholy "Kemoney Rakhi Aa(n)khibari Chapiya" . Nahian Durdana Shuchi, with a sweet voice, captivated the audience with her rendition of "Ami Sundar Nohi".
Promising classical vocalist Latifun Julio offered "Ogo Ontorjami Bhokter Tabo" at the programme. Mohit Khan's rendition of the song "Shawon Asilo Phirey" was admirable while Sanjay Kabiraj superbly performed "Sakhi Bolo Bo(n)dhuarey" at the event.
Seasoned singers Sumon Chowdhury, Ferdaus Ara, Shelu Barua, Suman Majumder, Fakir Shahidul Islam Suman, Rahat Ara Geeti, Badrunnesa Dalia, Mahua Manjuri Sunanda, Mafizur Rahman, Mahmudul Hasan and others rendered solos. Artistes of Sursaptak and Hindal presented choral songs at the event.
Asit Biswas on esraj, Iftekhar Hossain Shohel on keyboard, Enamul Haque Omar, Swarup Hossain and Dollar on Tabla and Pradip Kumar Roy on mandira instrumentally accompanied the singers.
Noted dancer Sharmila Bandyopadhyay gave a performance. Samina Hossain Prema, Sushmita Lopa and Juyeiriah Mouli danced to a live rendition of "Srijan Chhondey Anandey". Kristi Hefaz and Jayanto Roy gave recitations at the programme.
Artistes of Chhayanaut performed a choral in the dhrupad genre “Jago Amrito Piyashi Chito” that wrapped up the opening day's programme. ATN Bangla was the media partner of the event.