by Rita Bhowmick (Dhaka Bureau)
In the seasonal cycle of Bengal, monsoon arrives, breathing new life into the dry and harsh nature left behind by summer. To welcome this monsoon- a symbol of rebirth, vitality, and regeneration of life- the Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi, one of the country’s leading cultural organizations, immersed itself in colorful celebrations as it does every year. On Monday (June 15), ‘Barsha Utshob-1433’ (Monsoon Festival) was held in a festive atmosphere at the open-air stage of Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi, the capital, starting at 6:30 AM.
This year, the festival was themed- ‘The Call of a New Journey in the Roar of Asharh; Let People Awaken to Eradicate Discrimination.’ The Udichi Dhaka Mahanagar Sangsad has been organizing this festival consecutively every year since 2009.
A Call for a United Cultural Movement to Protect the Environment
The event was officially inaugurated by Noor Mohammad Talukdar, President of the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA). In his inaugural address, he highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between nature, environment, and culture. Amid current climate change and environmental crises, he emphasized the vital need for a strong, united cultural movement to save nature and protect the environment.
Top leaders of the Udichi Central and Dhaka Metropolitan Committees participated in the discussion segment. Speakers expressed their commitment to building a non-discriminatory, humane, and secular society. The discussion featured speeches by Mahmud Selim, Acting President, Udichi Central Sangsad, Amit Ranjan Dey, General Secretary, Udichi Central Sangsad, Rezaul Karim Siddique Rana, Former General Secretary, Udichi Central Sangsad, Belayet Hossain, Convenor, Barsha Utshob-1433 Celebration Committee, and Konkon Nag, General Secretary, Udichi Dhaka Mahanagar Sangsad
A special narrative on the monsoon, titled ‘Barshakathon,’ was read by Sheikh Anisur Rahman, Member Secretary of the Barsha Utshob-1433 Celebration Committee.
A Captivating Blend of Melody, Dance, and Recitation
As the first light of dawn broke on Monday, the stage at Rabindra Sarobar came alive with tributes to Bengal’s monsoon, nature, and human consciousness. In the inaugural performance, Purnachandra Mondal and his troupe performed the classical raga ‘Meghmallar, creating a serene and soulful atmosphere.
The group dance at the monsoon welcoming ceremony captivates the audience.
This was followed by a series of exquisite solo and group performances:
* Music: Solo songs were performed by Mahadev Ghosh, Biman Chandra Biswas, Joya Sen Gupta, and Shawn Kumar Roy. Group songs were presented by Udichi Dhaka Mahanagar Sangsad, Kafrul Branch, Badda Branch, Gandaria Branch, and the cultural organization ‘Swapnabina’.
* Dance: Tarpita Islam Abadhi delivered a solo dance performance. Group dances by ‘Dhriti Nartananalaya’ (directed by Warda Rihab) and ‘Spandan’ (directed by Anik Bose) captivated the audience.
* Recitation: Regina Wali Leena and Suborna Arfin took part in solo recitations. Choral recitations were presented by Muktodhara, Sangskriti Bikash O Charcha Kendra, and Srote Recitation Sangsad.
The entire program was seamlessly hosted by Syeda Ananya Rahman and Shikha Sengupta.
The Green Message: A highly commendable and attractive highlight of the festival was its environmental consciousness. At the end of each performance, Udichi artists and activists presented saplings of various indigenous plants as gifts to the invited guests and participating performers.
This year’s festival showcased a unique harmony between the beauty of the monsoon, humanity’s spiritual connection with nature, and a cultural protest against social discrimination. The massive turnout and spontaneous participation of culture-loving people from the capital proved how powerful the pull of nature and culture remains, even amidst urban hustle. Udichi’s traditional monsoon festival concluded with a renewed pledge to forge a secular and humane society.
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The Writer:
Rita Bhowmick: Senior Journalist, Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
