Kendua in Netrokona district recently hosted its inaugural “Kichcha Utsab 1432,” showcasing a day and night of traditional rural storytelling at Joyhori Sprai Government High School. The event was a joint effort by the Kendua Upazila administration and cultural group Sarboswar, with the inauguration led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Imdadul Haque Talukdar.
The festival revolved around “Kichcha,” an art form deeply rooted in moral narratives, Puranic tales, and everyday village experiences. Performances included story-based ballads, paik songs, and folk dramas, blending myths, ethical insights, and societal reflections. The primary goal of the event was to rekindle the younger generation’s connection to their cultural roots and preserve a fading oral tradition that once thrived in rural entertainment.
Esteemed artists and folk performers from various parts of Bangladesh graced the occasion. Notable figures such as Kuddus Boyati, Baul Salam Sarkar, Saik Siddiki, Dilu Boyati, and Ashique Boyati captivated the audience with storytelling, improvised ballads, and traditional songs, providing a genuine glimpse into Bengal’s rich oral heritage.
During the event, UNO Talukdar highlighted Kendua’s cultural resurgence, referencing the successful “Jalal Mela” honoring Baul legend Jalal Uddin Khan. He emphasized the significance of “Kichcha” songs beyond mere entertainment, recognizing them as valuable tools for imparting ethics and preserving social memory.
The festival attracted a diverse crowd, including educators, cultural enthusiasts, local dignitaries, and residents from neighboring areas, demonstrating a strong community interest in safeguarding rural performing arts. Organizers expressed their intent to establish the “Kichcha Utsab” as an annual tradition to safeguard and promote a cultural heritage at risk of disappearing from public consciousness.