Pandit Birju Maharaj Kathak festival concludes in Dhaka

The three-day 14th Pandit Birju Maharaj Kathak Dance Festival 1432 concluded on Thursday (December 25) at the Guide House auditorium on Baily Road, marking another milestone in Dhaka's classical dance calendar.

Organised by Kathak Nritya Shamproday, the festival opened on December 23 and brought together around fifty dancers from across the country, reaffirming the enduring appeal of Kathak as both a classical form and a living tradition.

The closing day featured group performances by leading dance institutions, including Nritya Ashram, Chanda Malika, Samarpan Kala Kendra, Rinijhini Lalitakala Academy Rangpur, Nataraj Nrittyakala Kendra Noakhali, and Nikkon Academy Chattogram. Their recitals reflected a range of stylistic interpretations rooted in the Kathak tradition.

Alongside ensemble performances, young dancers Tuli Mallik, Nirjhar Das Adi, Imama Ashmi, and Arjasshi Bishwash Pritha took the stage, signalling the emergence of a new generation of practitioners. The evening also featured solo recitals by established performers Monira Parveen, Emon Kumar Dey, Deepa Sarkar, and Fifa Chakma, whose performances drew sustained appreciation from the audience.

A commemorative discussion titled "Nritya Mata Guru: Rahija Khanam Jhunu"' was held on the final day, honouring the life and legacy of the eminent dancer and teacher. The session reflected on her contribution to dance pedagogy and her role in shaping generations of performers.

The festival opened with Kathak Nritya Shamproday's dance drama "Prasanga 47", written and directed by Saju Ahmed. On Wednesday, the troupe also staged "Shree Radhar Manvanjan", another dance drama directed by Ahmed, further anchoring the festival in narrative-driven classical expression.

The Zinat Jahan Smriti Sammanana was awarded to Nilufar Wahid Papri on the opening day, recognising her contribution to the dance arts.

At the closing ceremony, Md Fazlur Rahaman, secretary of Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts, attended as the chief guest, underscoring the festival's standing within Bangladesh's broader cultural ecosystem.

Kathak Nritya Shamproday has been organising the Pandit Birju Maharaj Kathak Dance Festival since 2012, sustaining a platform that celebrates classical excellence while nurturing continuity through training, performance, and dialogue.