
Udichi celebrates its 56th anniversary in Rajshahi
With the theme, “Manush Chila Kshyapa Re Tui Mool Harabi,” Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi celebrated the 56th founding anniversary of its Rajshahi District branch. In line with this theme, priority was given to Baul and mystical songs and poetry, creating a platform for both rural and urban Baul performers to showcase their art. Young artists from Udichi performed Baul and mystical songs as well.
The event commenced on Tuesday, October 29, at 4:30 pm, inaugurated by language activist Mosharraf Hossain Akhunji. Principal Zulfikar Ahmed Golap, President of Udichi Rajshahi Zilla Sangsad and Vice President of the Central Sangsad, presided over the event, with Deputy General Secretary Bidhan Chandra Sarkar, Organizational Affairs Secretary Shahinur Rahman Sona, and Editorial Board Member Selina Banu in attendance. Ranjit Kumar Das, General Secretary of the District branch, delivered the welcome address, while language activist Mosharraf Hossain Akhunji and General Secretary of Pragati Lekhak Sangha Rajshahi, Shah Md. Zia Uddin, also addressed the gathering.
The celebration brought together notable cultural leaders and personalities, including CPB Rajshahi District President Humayun Reza Jenu, Khelaghar Rajshahi District General Secretary Mahmud Hossain Masud, Udichi Rajshahi District Treasurer Santosh Kumar, Editorial Board Member Subodh Kabiraj, and members of the local cultural community. Artists from Udichi’s Rajshahi branch such as Tarun Dhar, Shiuli Mardi, Sathi, Mainur Murshid Mridu, Tuli Goswami, Aditi, Meghla, Sushmita, Nadi, Bithi, Dueta, Rajshree, Vidya, Priyam, and Jayita performed Baul and mystical songs. Folk artist Manju Rahman from Rajshahi Betar Shilpi Sangstha added a soothing touch with his folk music.
Prominent voices including Selina Banu, Ratan Bhattacharya, Bidhan Chandra Sarkar, and Khaleda Keya recited Rabindranath Tagore’s Baul poetry, and young dancer Priyanti Dhar performed. Additionally, Monir Uddin, Abdul Aziz Dewan, Nazmul Islam, and Shahidul Islam, Baul artists from Udichi’s Machmail branch, presented Baul and mystical songs.
The event concluded with an energetic performance by Karsa, a tribal folk band from Rajshahi, featuring members Joy Christopher Biswas, Prashant Minj, Perillo Hembram, Manna Ravidas, Hridoy Murmu, Michael Saren, Saikat Baske, and Eamon Biswas. Various other artists performed Lalan Geeti, Baul songs, and mystical songs.
Speakers at the event called for the cessation of violent attacks on cultural figures, including Baul and mystical artists, underscoring the need for safe and free movement of these artists as they represent the thousand-year-old tradition of independent Bengal. They emphasized the role of Udichi activists in fostering a mass cultural awakening to resist imperialism and fundamentalism.