The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, kicked off a two-day Sharadiya Cultural Festival on Tuesday evening in Dhaka. The event commenced with a jatra performance titled “Mahishasur Mardini, Devi Durga” at the Academy’s Experimental Theatre Hall, attracting a packed audience eager to celebrate the festive season.
Leading the inaugural session was Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed, a poet and the director general of the Shilpakala Academy. In his address, he emphasized the festival’s significance in promoting communal harmony, proclaiming, “We aim to construct a harmonious Bangladesh devoid of communal divides.” He also referenced the unity witnessed during the July uprising, highlighting that individuals from diverse faiths “stood united to ensure the success of the revolution.”
Noteworthy speeches were delivered by Joint Secretary Mohammad Harun-ur-Rashid from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Ramesh Dutta, the convener of the Puja Udyapan Front, and Gazi Belayet, the president of the Bangladesh Jatra-Shilpo Unnayan Parishad. The opening remarks were presented by Deepak Kumar Goswami, the director of Theatre and Film at the Academy.
The performance on Tuesday showcased a talented ensemble of jatra artists, such as Ujjal Kumar Bepari, Ranjit Haldar, Rebati Ranjan Majumdar, Promoth Ranjan Gomasta, and many more. Their collective portrayal vividly brought to life the eternal battle between Durga and Mahishasur through captivating music, dance, and theatrical expressions.
The festival will continue on Wednesday, October 1, at the Academy’s Nandan Mancha. Attendees can enjoy an ensemble performance by 50 traditional drummers from 6:30pm to 9:00pm, followed by cultural performances by the group “Spandan” and popular singers Anima Rai, Debleena Sur Dola, Rituraj, and Sinthi Saha.
This year’s festival forms part of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs’ broader initiative to commemorate significant religious and cultural events. Earlier in 2025, the Ministry and the Academy jointly organized “Chand Rater Anondo Anusthan” for Eid and a cultural festival marking Buddha Purnima. All events have been free and open to the public, demonstrating the Academy’s dedication to ensuring cultural inclusivity.