A cultural programme featuring baul songs by Darbesh Shadhon Fakir and his troupe from Bardhaman. West Bengal was held at the Indian Cultural Centre. Gulshan on October 8. The High Commission of India, Dhaka in association with Shadhona 4 ikcuqfre for advancement of South1 Asian music and dance -- organised the event.

Prior to the performances, a PowerPoint presentation on the lifestyle of hauls was screened at the venue. Taslima Akhter, a student of the photography school, Pathshala, did the photo-story covering

two veteran Lalon devotees of Kushtia --Abdur Rob Fakir and Buri Fakirani.

Next Shadhon Fakir and his

troupe took the stage. The troupe comprised nine members, including three Japanese bauls. Among the Japanese, Maki Kazumi Das, has been a devoted baul over the last 17 years. Maki started her khelafat (the process of becoming a baul) under the tutelage of Shadhon Fakir. She now goes by the Bangla name'Goshal'.

Featuring several traditional instruments, including ektara. dotara, khamok, tabla and harmonium, the soiree started off with the song "Chai anando, chai prem". Swapon Adhikari rendered the song.

At the programme, Maki aka Goshai rendered two Lalon songs -- "Shonar manush bhashchhey roshey” and "Mon-er manush jekhaney, ami jai shekhaney".

Among other Japanese bauls, Kazumi Fukajawa aka Shubhra sang "Shadhu shango bina tatwa thojanbi na."

Sumanta Das, the youngest member of the troupe, rendered a Bhoba Pagla song, titled "Jibon nodir kuley kuley, mon doley aar pran doley".

Fakir Razzaq from Kushtia also joined the troupe at the programme. He sang a Lalon song, "Ek mala jol pheltey".

The soiree ended with a i rendition of the song "Korli dhandabaaji orey amar mon," by Swapan Adhikari. Darbesh Shadhon Fakir penned the song. Among other members of the troupe were Bhajan. i Bairagi and SukumarMallik.

Earlier, Lubna Mariam, danseuse and general secretary of Shadhona, gave a brief speech highlighting her organisation’s activities.