Toronto’s Chinese Cultural Centre recently transformed into a dazzling hub of Bengali art and culture. The event, titled Moments with Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, drew over 650 enthusiastic attendees, creating a lively atmosphere even before the evening officially began.
The programme opened under the charismatic hosting of Ajanta Choudhury and Shakila Naz, with a performance of the national anthems of Bangladesh and Canada. The first major highlight followed swiftly when Rezwana Choudhury Bannya led a chorus of students from across Ontario, performing Mongol Dwip Jele. Paired with the intricate dance of Nahid Nasrin Nayon and her team, the performance captivated the audience.
Next, the stage came alive with the dance drama Shap Mochon by Nahid Nasrin Nayon and Tapas Dev. The exquisite set design, lighting, and music, combined with their powerful dance, transported the audience into another world. The energetic participation of young dancers added further vibrancy to the performance.
Distinguished Guests:
| Guest | Position/Organisation |
|---|---|
| Laila Hasan | Dance Guru |
| Dolly Begum | Scarborough Southwest MPP |
| Parthi Kandevel | Toronto Ward 20 Councillor |
| Dr. A.S.M. Nurullah Tarun | Conservative Party Candidate |
Sponsors and collaborators were also honoured during the event.
| Sponsor/Partner | Organisation/Position |
|---|---|
| Ayon Dev Roy | CIBC |
| Morshed Nizam | CPA |
| Omar Hasan Al Zahid | Barrister |
| Arif Hossain | Barrister |
| Riaz Ahmed | Tajmahal Foods Owner |
| Raihan Choudhury | Realtor |
| Chayanika Dutta | Barrister |
| Wazir Hossain Murad | Amazon Immigration |
| Sujoy Chakraborty | Barrister |
| Nitu Dutta | Realtor |
| Others | Realty-21, Milis Collection, MJ Printing, Khazana Queen, Danforth Sound |
The evening’s highlight was Rezwana Choudhury Bannya herself, whose renditions of Rabindra Sangeet filled the hall with a serene, almost Shantiniketan-like atmosphere. The audience’s enthusiastic applause after every song reflected their deep admiration and satisfaction.
Combining music, dance, lighting, and stagecraft, the event became a unique artistic evening. Attendees left with memories of sheer awe and joy. For Toronto’s Bengali community, this celebration of art and culture is bound to remain a talking point for years to come.
It was not merely a cultural event but a bridge connecting the rich heritage of Bangladesh with the vibrant multicultural landscape of Canada.
