The two-day Nazrul Utsab 2025 commemorating the legacy of Bangladesh's national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam ended on Tuesday (Feb 25), leaving audiences captivated by the diverse range of performances. Held at the Chhayanaut Cultural Centre in Dhaka, the festival featured songs, recitations, and a staging of Nazrul's works, drawing in Nazrul enthusiasts from across the country. The event was organised by the Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Songstha.
The closing ceremony was marked by an energetic staging of Kazi Nazrul Islam's 'Swami-Strir Jhagra', a lively Leto drama performed by the theatre group Bohor Natya Nritya Dal. The production, brought to life by Banshari, left a lasting impression on the audience. After the play, singers such as Bijon Mistry, Priyanka Bhattacharya, and Mridula Samaddar graced the stage with mesmerizing renditions of Nazrul's iconic songs.
The evening also featured a powerful poetry recital by Bhaskar Bandyopadhyay, who recited some of Nazrul's most beloved poems. The event concluded with Rishav Saha's mesmerising performance of 'Barsha Oi Elo Barsha'.
Khairul Anam Shakil, the general secretary of Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Songstha, and Sarwar Ali, executive president of Chhayanaut, delivered speeches at the closing ceremony, reflecting on the significance of Nazrul's contributions to Bangladesh's cultural heritage. They highlighted how Nazrul's message of secularism, social justice, and equality remains vital in today's context.
The festival commenced on Monday with an opening ceremony featuring speeches by Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Songstha President Yakub Ali Khan and prominent scholar Mofidul Hoque. Celebrated Nazrul Sangeet artistes like Abhijit Kundu, Priyanka Gop, Monish Sarkar, Moumita Haque, and Mohit Khan delivered heartfelt performances of Nazrul's timeless compositions. The festival's opening was further enriched by a dance presentation titled 'Jage Jyotirmoy' performed by Dhriti Nartanalay and choreographed by Warda Rihab.
This year's Nazrul Utsab was not only a tribute to the poet but also a vibrant reminder of his relevance in modern times, as his works continue to inspire and resonate with the spirit of unity, equality, and resilience.
