The fourth edition of ‘BUDDHA OF BENGAL: Our Sacred Community’, a nationwide exhibition celebrating Bengali Buddhist art and spirituality, opened on Tuesday at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD). The exhibition will continue until May 6.
Coinciding with Buddha Purnima, the exhibition brings together 80 Bangladeshi artists alongside international contributors, presenting 91 artworks created in traditional mediums such as watercolour, gouache, sculpture, batik, ceramics and metalwork.
The initiative continues its aim of reviving and promoting indigenous sacred art traditions while engaging both established and emerging artists.
Centred on the theme of Sangha, or sacred community, this year’s edition explores spiritual fellowship, compassion and shared human experience.
The works highlight ideas of communal harmony, reflection and interconnectedness with nature and humanity.
Participants include students and faculty members from 15 institutions across the country, including the Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University, Khulna University and Jahangirnagar University, as well as artists from Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts and Yunnan Art University.
Alongside the exhibition, a series of cultural programmes is being held daily, featuring classical, folk and devotional performances reflecting the spirit of community and shared expression.
On the opening day, April 28, the programme featured a flute recital by SM Raqibul Hassan, followed by a Bharatanatyam performance by Shaola Brototi Attoja.
On April 29, visitors experienced a flute performance by Mrityunjoy Kumar Das, accompanied by tabla by Goutam Kumar Sarker.
The April 30 programme included solo and duet performances by Shamriddho Choudhury Omm on tabla and Niloy Halder on sarangi. The day also featured group dance, recitation and choral singing by students of Kiran Sanskriti Sadan under the supervision of Dr Anupom Kumar Paul, along with a leaf flute performance by Sudarshan Bachar.
On May 1, a sarod recital by Sutradhar Arjun was held with tabla accompaniment by Masum Mian, alongside a mother-son violin duet by Dr Sheuli Bhattacharjee and Sayan Sayar Sparsha.
The May 2 schedule featured a violin performance by Imon Chowdhury, folk songs by Humayun Azam Rewaz, and Gautam Buddha Geetikavya presented by Manoj Roy and Manabendra Roy.
On May 4, the exhibition hosted ‘Charyagaan er Ashore: “Those Who Understand Are the Buddha’, performed by the Sadhakshilpibrinda of Bhab Nagar Foundation.
On May 5, performances included flute and dotara by Labu Miah and Ashik Dewan.
The closing day on May 6 will feature a Taltaranga ensemble by Bappy Paul, Sujoy Ghosh and Shikat Pathak, a dance performance by Aritree Nandi, a mother-son duet on esraj and sarangi by Sukla Halder and Shounak Debnath Wreek, and a tabla performance by Kumar Protibimbo.
Dr Malay Bala, professor in the Department of Oriental Art at the University of Dhaka and convener of the initiative, said the teachings of the Buddha are visibly reflected through the artworks.
Curator Mikhail Idris noted that Buddhist art offers a spiritual response to contemporary crises, including social and communal divisions.
The exhibition is being held at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, from April 28 to May 6, following its inauguration at 6:00 pm on April 28.
The exhibition will conclude with an award-giving ceremony recognising outstanding artistic contributions from participating artists.
