Baul Mela 2009

Musical programme, ‘Baul Mela 2009′ was held at the Shawkat Osman Auditorium, Central Public Library, Shahbagh on May 31. Organised by Palli Baul Samaj Unnayan Sangstha (PBSUS), the programme featured rendition of songs of folk maestros by ‘baul’ singers from across the country.

PBSUS has been working to uphold and preserve the ‘baul’ traditions and philosophy for the last nine years. The organisation often arranges programmes featuring folk songs for urban audiences.

The event started with an instrumental piece, featuring several local musical instruments. ‘Dhol,’ ‘mandira,’ ‘ektara,’ ‘dotara,’ flute, harmonium and ‘bango’ created a perfect ambiance for folk songs. A choral rendition — led by Kushtia-based Tuntun Baul — of the popular Lalon song “Dhanya dhanya boli tarey” followed.

Tuntun Baul also performed a solo, “Lanthaney ruper bati jalchhey rey shodai.” Lalon songs dominated the evening. Artistes also performed songs of rural bards Bijoy Sarkar, Shah Abdul Karim, Radha Raman Dutta, Hason Raja, Durbin Shah, Dudu Shah and Panju Shah.

A performance of a Bijoy Sarkar song “Jibon nodir naiyya” by Manikganj based singer Aleya Begum was applauded by the eager audience. Akbar Ali from Kushtia sang another Bijoy Sarkar composition, “Janitey chai doyal tomar ashol naamta ki.”

Baul Nayan rendered “Agey ki shundor din kataitam” (written and composed by Shah Abdul Karim) and “Baula ke banailo rey” (Hason Raja). Among others, Jasim Anadir, Khaibor Ali, Sadeque Ali, child artiste Apurba Bashona and Abul Sarkar performed at the programme.

Earlier a discussion was held at the venue, where Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Abul Kalam Azad was the chief guest. In his speech the minister hoped to work to uphold the traditions of rural Bengal. Mukta D Tomar, Indian deputy high commissioner, was the special guest. Among others, lawmaker Monirul Islam spoke at the discussion. Ferdousi Nazma, president, PBSUS presided over the programme.

Sharfuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, manager, PR and Communication, Banglalink gave the welcome speech. Banglalink was the sponsor of the event.

Send this to my Friends: