Bangladesh’s prominent cultural institution, Chhayanaut, honored the renowned music scholar and cultural advocate Waheedul Haq with a musical event titled “Deshghorer Gaan.”
The tribute took place on Monday at Chhayanaut’s auditorium in Dhanmondi, uniting artists from various regions to commemorate folk customs and Haq’s lasting cultural vision.
During the event, Chhayanaut’s president, Sarwar Ali, spoke about Haq’s unwavering dedication to creating a society founded on unity and empathy through music.
Ali emphasized that Haq aimed to foster a society based on harmony and compassion, using music as his primary tool. Haq, known as a wandering minstrel of music, played a significant role in nurturing multiple generations of performers across the nation. Many present-day artists trace their artistic development back to his influence.
The program showcased a diverse array of folk performances. Anamika Kar, hailing from Sunamganj, presented songs by renowned figures like Hason Raja, Shah Abdul Karim, and Radharaman Dutta. Mukta Sarkar from Chandpur performed pieces by Ramesh Shil, Durbin Shah, and Gostho Gopal Das.
Baul artist Sirajuddin Pathan from Netrokona delivered songs by Siraj Ali and his original compositions. The event concluded with a traditional pala gaan performance by Delwar Hossain Dilu Boyati and his group, narrating the poignant tale of Karbala.
The organizers highlighted that the program not only celebrated the country’s diverse folk traditions but also embodied Haq’s cultural philosophy centered on inclusivity, humanism, and the enduring impact of music.
