The two-day Sharadiya Cultural Festival 2025, the first of its kind organized under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), concluded Wednesday evening with a vibrant showcase at the Academy’s Nandan Mancha.
The festival’s closing night brought together an eclectic mix of art, music and dance, with dignitaries, diplomats and a cheerful audience filling the venue in a celebration of seasonal spirit.
The evening opened with the rhythmic beats of traditional dhak-dhol, performed by 50 musicians, setting an auspicious tone. This was followed by the Mangalik Nritya presented by Spandan Dance Troupe, choreographed by Anik Bose.
Acclaimed vocalist Anima Roy enchanted the crowd with renditions of ‘Amra Milechi Aaj Mayer Dake’, ‘Oi Ashon Tole Matir Pore’ and ‘Ebar Tor Mora Gange Baan Esechhe’, while Debolina Sur Dola captivated with ‘Mangal Deep Jele’, ‘Tare Dhori Dhori’, ‘Hrid Majhare Rakhbo Chhere Debo Na’ and ‘Gauri Elo Dekhe Ja Lo’.
Popular singers Rituraj and Sinthi Saha also performed at the event, presenting their popular and fan-favourite tracks.
The event was attended by notable personalities including Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed (poet Rezauddin Stalin), Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy; Tanzim Ibn Wahab, Director General of Bangladesh National Museum; senior officials from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, and representatives from the embassies of Italy, Indonesia, Latvia, Switzerland and Russia. Leaders from socio-cultural organizations and Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Front were also present, adding to the festive ambiance.
This year, BSA, under the ministry’s initiative, introduced several new seasonal celebrations including ‘Chand Rater Anondo Onusthan’ during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha, as well as a Buddha Purnima Cultural Festival earlier in 2025. The Sharadiya Cultural Festival now joins the roster as a new addition to Dhaka’s cultural calendar.
