Adivasi Cultural Festival '08

Artistes of indigenous communities perform traditional art forms at the festivalPhoto: STAR

On the second day (March 14) of the three-day long Adivasi Cultural Festival '08, artistes of six indigenous communities showcased their traditional art forms at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Troupes included Santal, Marma, Tanchanga, Khyang, Mandi and Cha-Janagosthi highlighted their lifestyle and ritual through the performances.
The programme started with the performance of Santal artistes. They rendered the Kolshi dance and the dance with Dhol. Traditionally Santal people arrange the Dhol dance at the wedding ceremony. A troupe of the bride's family and a troupe from the groom's family compete with one another through this dance.
Cha-Janagosthi, minorities of the tea gardens of northern-eastern part of Bangladesh, performed song, Jhumur dance and traditional Lathi dance (dancing with a piece of wood). Usually Cha-Janagosthi arranges the Lathi dance to celebrate the Dol Utsab.
Artistes of the Mandi community rendered a group song. The theme of the song was the unification of all minorities. They also performed 'Delang Mangnipinna'. Delang Mangnipinna is one of traditional dances of Mandi people, which they perform to pay tribute to the souls of the deceased.
Artistes of the Marma community staged excerpts of mythical musical-drama 'Manari Pankhum' and Pakha dance. The Pakha dance is one of their popular dances, which they arrange in the Sangrai (new year programme).
Artistes of the Tanchanga community rendered couple of songs and performed a group dance. Artistes of the Khyang community performed Jhum dance and other dances to mark New Year and Nabanna Utsab.
Before the cultural programme, a brief discussion was organised at the venue