A month-long Jatrapala festival kicked off at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital on Monday, marking the month of victory with vibrant cultural celebrations. The inaugural ceremony took place at the main gate of the National Theatre Hall in the evening.
Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman attended the programme as the chief guest with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General and noted poet Rezauddin Ahmed Stalin in the chair. In his speech, Mofidur Rahman highlighted the richness and diversity of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.
“Bangladesh has a diverse culture that includes various races, religions, castes and communities,” he said. “Whenever we organise a cultural festival, we involve the relevant community because we believe in an inclusive cultural environment. We want to live in this country through a culture that belongs to everyone.”
Rezauddin Stalin emphasised the historical and social importance of Jatra, one of the oldest performing art traditions in the subcontinent.
“Jatra is not only a medium of entertainment but also a powerful form of education,” he said. “In traditional Jatra, when a king or hero strays from the righteous path, a symbolic character named bibek (conscience) appears to guide them back. This art form has long played a vital role in resisting social injustice, corruption, discrimination, and drug abuse. Its thousand-year-old legacy continues to inspire and teach.”
Shilpakala Academy Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Drama and Film Department Director Deepak Kumar Goswami, and Bangladesh Jatra Art Association General Secretary Belayet Hossain also spoke on the occasion.
According to a press release issued by the Shilpakala Academy on Monday, a total of 31 troupes from across the country-selected through a registration process under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs-will stage 31 different Jatrapalas throughout the month. Performances will be held daily at 6:30pm at the Experimental Theatre Hall.
The festival opened with the staging of the Jatrapala Mrityur Kochke Jol, performed by Surya Tarun Natya Sangstha from Paikgachha, Khulna. The pala was written by Debendranath and directed by Pranab Mandal.
On Tuesday, New Zahura Opera from Shibpur, Narsingdi staged Kashem Malar Prem. The pala was written by Shamsul Haque and directed by Mostafizur Rahman.
