Classical music and dance are among the most refined expressions of human culture, representing profound dedication, beauty, and tradition. In an effort to further promote and preserve these distinguished art forms, the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will be hosting a four-day "Shastriya Sangeet O Nritya Utsab" (Classical Music and Dance Festival).

The festival will take place on February 19, 20, 23, and 24, starting at 5 pm each day at the National Art Gallery Auditorium.

On February 19, the opening ceremony will feature a welcome speech by Nava Mehjabeen Rahman, Director of the academy's Music, Dance, and Recitation Department. Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will preside over the event.

The inauguration will begin with a group dance performance titled "Shubhechchha O Bhalobasha" (Greetings and Love), directed by Snata Shahrin and performed by the academy's dancers. Kabbyashree Ray Chowdhury will perform a solo vocal piece, "Thumri Raag Desh", followed by a group dance rendition of "Pallavi (Odissi)" by Nrityachhanda. Borsha Bepari will deliver a solo dance piece, "Debi Stuti (Bharatanatyam)", and Abhijit Kund will perform "Dhrupad" as a solo vocal number.

Additionally, Jubair Hossain Naim will present a solo Kathak dance titled "Shuddha Nritya", while Priyanka Sarkar will perform "Javeli". Vocalist Ali FM Rezwan will follow with a solo performance, and Warda Rehab will perform "Shiva Vandana (Manipuri)" as a solo dance. The Rewaz Performers School will present a group Kathak dance, "Ritu Basanta O Tarana," while Anil Kumar Saha will perform a solo vocal piece, "Raag Behag." Arpana Nishi will deliver a solo Manipuri dance performance titled "Shiva Stuti."

The evening will also feature solo Kathak performances by Monira Parveen and Snata Shahrin, vocal solo "Raag Basanta" by Shekhar Mondal, and a final group Bharatanatyam dance titled "Pushpanjali", presented by Kalpataru.

On February 20, the festival will kick off with a group Manipuri dance by the Academy for Manipuri Cultural and Arts, based in Sylhet. Following this, Saumita Bose will perform a solo "Dhrupad" vocal piece, and Puja Vaishnav will present a solo Bharatanatyam dance.

Mandira Chowdhury will perform a solo Kathak dance, followed by a vocal solo of "Raag Poorbi" by Swaraj Saha. Samina Hossain will deliver a solo Manipuri dance, and Sumaiya Islam will perform Kathak. Bitu Kumar Shil will offer a vocal solo, and Babrool Alam Chowdhury will close the segment with a solo Manipuri dance.

The program will continue with a group Kathak performance by Masum Hossain, a vocal solo of "Raag Madhubanti" by Karim Shahabuddin, and a solo Odissi dance by Tajim Chakma. Vocalist Mirajul Jannat Sonia will perform "Raag Basanta," while Golam Mostafa Bobby will showcase a solo Bharatanatyam dance, concluding with a group Kathak performance by the Kathak Dance Community.

The festival will continue on February 23 and 24 at 5pm each day at the National Art Gallery Auditorium, with performances from artists from various regions of Bangladesh.

This festival is open to all.