BM Report: 

Renowned Chittagong-based folk music organization Srijami is hosting a two-day festival at the Bangladesh Art Academy’s Nandan stage, starting from today. The festival, titled “Ganasangeet: Songs of Betrayal, Equality and New Life,” aims to showcase the power and relevance of folk music in contemporary times.

Dramatist Mamunur Rashid inaugurated the festival at 5:00 PM on Friday afternoon. He was joined by Srijami Director Sujith Chakraborty, who delivered a felicitation speech. Playwright Ahmed Iqbal Haider, writer-researcher Golam Qudduch, and actor-director Dulal Das Gupta also graced the occasion as special guests.

The first day of the festival featured solo performances by Sujit Chakrabatty, Pooja Chakrabatty, Mayuri Das Gupta, Sabira Shahinoor Pallavi, Tauhid Shimul, Rashmi Dev, and Rhea Dev. Additionally, Srijami Cultural Arena from Chittagong and Anveshan Bikrampur from Munshiganj presented captivating group performances.

Founded in 2012, Srijami has a strong track record of promoting folk music. The organization has hosted two successful folk music festivals in Chittagong and established Srijami Sangeet Niketan, a music education institute.

The festival’s second day will be held at the National Music and Dance Auditorium. The event will begin with a discussion session featuring Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Liaquat Ali Lucky as the chief guest. Stage manager Ataur Rahman, folk music artist Mahmud Salim, dramatist Abhijit Sengupta, and actor-director Dulal Das Gupta will also join the discussion.

Furthermore, the second day will witness the presentation of the Creative Award to folk music artist, actor, and theater director Liaquat Ali Lucky. Additionally, the audience will be enthralled by poetry songs performed by Srijami Cultural Arena and a lyric-poetry-drama titled “Dhar Dhar Chor Dhar” by Bangladesh Udichi Art Group.

The Srijami Folk Music Festival serves as a platform for celebrating the rich tapestry of folk music and its role in shaping cultural identity. With its diverse range of performances and discussions, the festival promises to offer a vibrant and enriching experience for music enthusiasts and the wider community.