Dhaka steps into the festive season today with the launch of the first-ever ‘Sharadiya Cultural Festival’, a two-day celebration of music, theatre and ritual hosted by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The festival will continue through October 1.
Planned by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and curated by Shilpakala Academy, the event brings together leading cultural personalities, advisers and officials, including Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Md Mofidur Rahman and Rezauddin Ahmed Stalin.
As per a press release, ambassadors from several countries are also expected to join as special guests.
The curtain rises this evening at Suhrawardy Udyan open stage with a jatra performance of Mahishasura Mardini, Devi Durga, directed by Ujjal Kumar Byapari and performed by the Mata Majjulika troupe, displaying a traditional invocation of strength and resilience.
On the final day, celebrations move to Nandan Mancha at Shilpakala Academy, beginning with a Manglik Nritya ritual dance set to the rhythm of traditional Bangladeshi dhol and drum.
Cultural figures Tapan Chandra Majumdar, Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Ramesh Dutta and Tarun Dey will deliver welcome remarks, paving the way for performances ranging from Shyama Sangeet and devotional songs to patriotic and contemporary numbers.
Acclaimed artistes including Anima Roy, Debolina Sur Dola, Ritu Raj and Shithi Saha will take the stage with solo acts.
Open to the public, the festival aims to weave together heritage and creativity, marking the Sharadiya spirit with an inclusive cultural showcase.
