Chaitra Sankranti Festival in Angaroya Village, Netrakona

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Shottobani

Netrakona: The much-anticipated ‘Khonar Mela’ will commence in Angaroya Village of Kendua Upazila in Netrakona District, Bangladesh, at dawn on 13 April.

As part of the Chaitra Sankranti celebrations, the mela will run continuously from sunrise to the dawn of Pôhela Boishakh, offering a vibrant medley of cultural and intellectual events.

Visitors will experience various artistic performances and discussions throughout the festival. The program includes live renditions of songs, poetry recitals, traditional Baul songs, story-telling sessions, folk music performances, devotional verses and recitations.

Attendees are also invited to engage in thematic discussions that will delve into topics such as agriculture, health, environmental issues, life’s philosophies, and astronomy, all under the central theme of ‘Khonar Mela’.

It is noteworthy that last year’s celebration of the Chaitra Sankranti festival hosted for the first time on the open stage of Angaroya Village, a unique cultural nexus connecting Netrakona, Mymensingh, and Kishoreganj, received widespread acclaim.

Celebrated artists, including renowned Baul singer Sunil Karmakar, veteran farmer Baul Miyan Hossain, and Shefali Gayen, will be performing on this day-long stage. Additionally, distinguished performances are expected from eminent artists such as Kafil Ahmed, Krishnakoli and her ensemble; the group Samogit, Band Shahajia, Chitkar, Musa Kalim Mukul, Fokir Saheb, Kuasha Murkho, Nupur Sultana as well as Mongolghor’s artist Krishok Dudu Kanchan, Dulal Chishty, young talents like Faysal, Uday, Sumon, and Hridoy, among others.

A special discussion segment, themed “Water Floats Well / People Cultivate Well,” will feature a diverse panel of experts. The panel includes researcher and writer Pavel Partha, natural farming movement organiser Delowar Jahan, poet Ahmed Naquib, writer and cultural activist Baki Billah, artist and cultural activist Bithi Ghosh, poet Asma Bithi, cultural activist Abul Kalam Al-Azad, folk literature researcher Rakhal Biswas, chief organiser of Mongolghor, Badrun Nur Chowdhury Leepan, and artist Kafil Ahmed.

The event is organised collaboratively by local residents, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, and the media communication agency Cool Exposure.