It was a pleasant sight that met the eye at one of Karachi's auditoriums recently. The event was the celebration of Pehela Baishka which is the first day of Bangla New Year and also the spirit of friendship that exists between Bangladesh and Pakistan. The event was organised by the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh to mark this special occasion. Her Excellency Mrs. Yasmeen Murshed, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan was the chief guest on the occasion. This cultural show brought to the fore the colourful culture of Bangladesh through songs and dance.
Dance in Bangladesh is predominantly folk-based. It has its own distinct patterns which evolved from the people's traditional customs beliefs and observances. Bangladeshi folk-dances are very much a reflection of the country's lifestyle. Apart from that some forms grew out of varied regional environment of Chittagong hilltracks. Some of the dance performances were ‘Baje Nabo Borsher Dhol’; Village Fair, Katthak; the Snake Charmers; Fishing in Monsoon Water and Tea Garden Dance.
The first performance of the evening was by Mr. Khairul Anam who rendered three romantic songs written by Kazi Nazrul-Islam. Mr. Khairul Anam is a leading exponent of Nazrul songs. He is a regular singer on Bangladesh Radio and Television. He is also a teacher in the famous Chhayanot which is one of the renowned cultural institutions of Bangladesh, and also lectures at Dacca University, Department of Music. He has chosen songs that speak of the ecstasy of romantic unions and despairs of separation. This segued into the 'Bangladeshi Dhoal' performance. Songs sung by Ms. Alam-ara-Minu were much appreciated by the audience.
The highlight of the show however was the performance by Fuzon who injected the crowd with instant energy with their feet-tapping numbers. What was even more interesting was when they were joined by the visiting cultural delegation from Bangladesh who performed to the crooning of Fuzon and together they transformed the spectacular cultural night into something even more magical.