Ityadi brings the rhythm of Bhawaiya to Kurigram

This time, "Ityadi"—Bangladesh's longest-running and most beloved television show—has journeyed to Kurigram, the riverine northern district celebrated as the heartland of Bhawaiya music. 

The episode was filmed at the historic 150-year-old "Ulipur Maharani Swarnamayee School And College", transforming its open grounds into a cultural stage echoing with folk rhythms and stories of the land.

Bhawaiya, the soulful folk tradition of North Bengal, is the lifeblood of Kurigram. Fittingly, the episode weaves the district's identity with its music through songs, short plays, and reports that celebrate the people who have kept this heritage alive. "Ityadi" creator Hanif Sanket, who continues to craft the show's signature blend of humour, humanity, and history, said the Kurigram episode pays tribute to the spirit of a region where music flows like the rivers that shape its land.

The episode opens with a dance sequence based on a song written by Moniruzzaman Palash, capturing the culture and history of Kurigram. Directed by SK Zahid, the performance features more than 50 local dancers, with vocals by Rajib and Tanzina Ruma, music composed by Hanif Sanket, and arrangement by Mehedi. Folk favourites also find new life: the timeless "O ki gariyal bhai," once sung by Bhawaiya maestro Abbasuddin Ahmed, returns in a new rendition by Salma Akter and local folk artist Purnachandra Roy.

Following the show's trademark audience interaction, four viewers from Kurigram were selected for a musical segment celebrating Bhawaiya's rich legacy. As always, "Ityadi" also shines its spotlight on unsung heroes and unknown stories from Bangladesh's remotest corners.

This episode includes several reports on Kurigram's history and notable sites, such as the Maharani Swarnamoyee estate, the home of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, and the legacy of Bir Pratik Taramon Bibi. Another segment revisits a 2011 report on Abdul Kader, a young entrepreneur from the district, offering a follow-up on his inspiring journey.

Viewers will also see a feature on the Bangladesh Bhawaiya Academy, founded by veteran artist Bhupati Bhushan Barma, whose lifelong work has helped preserve and promote Bhawaiya music. Barma and his students perform in the episode, continuing his mission to train the next generation of folk singers.

The show's investigative and human-interest reporting continues with a segment on the lives and livelihoods of people living on Kurigram's 400 river islands (chars), and another on the "Rikta Akhtar Banu (Lutfa) School for Children with Special Needs" in Chilmari.

The foreign segment takes viewers abroad—to Singapore's picturesque St. John's Island and the mysterious Kusu Island, both known for their striking architecture and natural beauty.

Adding a dose of laughter and satire, the episode includes a comical conversation between a Kashhem TV journalist and his witty grandson—along with the show's regular letter-reading session and skits addressing social issues and current events.

The episode features a star-studded cast including Solaiman Khoka, Abdullah Rana, Subhasish Bhowmik, Mukit Zakaria, Shahidul Alam Sachchu, Amin Azad, Shahid Ali, Nipu, Abu Hena Rony, Shawon Majumdar, Sabrina Nisa, Jamil Hossain, Sadia Tanjin, Sujat Shimul, Hanif Palowan, and many others.

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Art direction and stage design were led by Mukimul Anwar Mukim. As always, the show is written, directed, and hosted by Hanif Sanket, produced by Fagun Audio Vision, and sponsored by Keya Cosmetics Ltd.

The Kurigram-themed episode of "Ityadi" will air on Bangladesh Television (BTV) on Friday, October 31, at 8 pm, following the Bangla news.