A two-day National Rabindra Sangeet Festival is set to be held in Dhaka on 8 and 9 May, marking the 165th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The event, now in its 37th edition, is being organised by the Bangladesh Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Sangstha and is regarded as one of the country’s most established platforms for the preservation and promotion of Tagore’s musical heritage.
The festival will take place at the auditorium of the Liberation War Museum in Agargaon, Dhaka. Organisers confirmed that preparations are in their final stages, with participating artists completing intensive rehearsals over the past several weeks. The event continues its long-standing tradition of bringing together both emerging and veteran performers of Rabindra Sangeet, contributing to sustained artistic practice and research in this genre.
According to the organisers, overall coordination is being overseen by the organisation’s General Secretary Piyush Barua and Executive President Kajol Mukherjee, with noted Rabindra Sangeet exponent Khairun Nahar Kyam actively involved in the planning process. Their combined efforts aim to ensure a well-structured and high-quality presentation across all segments of the programme.
Singer Tanzina Tama stated that regular rehearsals over the past two weeks have fostered a collaborative and festive environment among the performers. She further noted that the selection process for participants is conducted through careful screening, which helps maintain the artistic standard of the festival and ensures meaningful representation of talent across generations.
This year’s festival will also pay tribute to several prominent cultural figures, including singer Asha Bhosle, Shahjahan Hafiz, and Dalia Naushin. In addition, the prestigious Kalim Sharafi Medal will be awarded to distinguished Rabindra Sangeet artist Iffat Ara Dewan in recognition of her contributions to the field.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 8 May at 4:00 pm and will feature writer and academic Professor Anwara Syed Haque as the chief guest. On the second day, researcher and cultural personality Mofidul Hoque will attend as a special guest. Across both days, performances will run from morning until evening, showcasing a diverse range of musical and cultural presentations.
Approximately 150 performers, including members of the organising body, guest artists, reciters, and dancers, are expected to participate. Alongside musical renditions, the programme will also feature poetry recitation and dance, offering a multidimensional interpretation of Tagore’s literary and artistic legacy.
Festival Schedule
| Date | Time | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| 8 May | 10:00 am | First session of cultural performances |
| 8 May | 4:00 pm | Inaugural ceremony and main performances |
| 9 May | 10:00 am | Second day performances begin |
| 9 May | 4:00 pm | Closing ceremony and special performances |
Organisers have expressed hope that the festival will not only strengthen the practice of Rabindra Sangeet in Bangladesh but also deepen younger audiences’ engagement with Tagore’s literature, philosophy, and music. The event has already generated considerable interest within the country’s cultural circles, reflecting its continued relevance in the national artistic landscape.