A five-day brainstorming camp on lathi khela ends today at the Rehearsal Room of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). The camp is part of the yearlong project, “Cholo Lathi Kheli”, jointly arranged by BSA and Shadhona. The aim of the project is to promote and popularise the traditional performing art. A total of 52 lathiyals from all over the country have been attending the camp. The agenda of the camp includes documentation of the various forms of lathi khela practiced all over Bangladesh, an analysis of the forms and comparison with other global forms of martial arts. Of the lathiyals, The Daily Star talked to the leaders of the troupes from Lakkhipur, Netrakona, Manikganj, Kurigram and Kushtia. Excerpts from the conversations:

Mostafa Mian (Ramgati, Lakkhipur)

Mostafa Mian, 61, runs a 16-member troupe. He has been the leader of the troupe for the last three decades. Mostafa's troupe performs lathi khela at different parts of Lakkhipur. Mostafa Mian informed that they occasionally go to Chittagong and Cox's Bazar to perform.

Mostafa Mian started lathi khela in childhood after being impressed by a performance. The seasoned lathiyal hopes that the current initiative to revive the traditional art form would help them reach the goal that they, the lathiyals across the country, have longed for over the years.

Md. Abdul Aziz (Kendua, Netrakona)

Abdul Aziz, 50, runs a 20-member troupe. His troupe usually performs at Netrakona, Mymensingh and occasionally in Dhaka. He finds that the practice of lathi khela is no more widespread as before. It has been waning significantly as there are lesser scopes of earning money if anyone wants to take it as a profession.

Apart from lathi khela Abdul Aziz runs a small business, which is his primary source of income. If anyone wants to learn lathi khela, Aziz assured that he could train him/her within two months. Abdul Aziz's mentor was Shamsuddin, who was the former leader the troupe. His troupe performed in Dhaka on last Pahela Baishakh.

Md. Chan Mian (Shaturia, Manikganj)

Aged 61, Chan Mian has been involved with the art form over the last three and a half decades. He informed that his troupe is the lone lathiyal bahini in the Shaturia area. The troupe includes 15 members and often comes to Dhaka to perform.

Chan Mian said that he learnt lathi khela from his grandfather, who was a member of a lathiyal group sponsored by the local zaminder (landlord). Chan Mian wants to pass on this tradition to the next generation.

Md. Nurul Haque (Kurigram)

Md. Nurul Haque is a former freedom fighter. He proudly informed that his troupe was formed about a century ago. He has been involved with the troupe over the last four decades. Attending the brainstorming camp, Nurul Haque realises that the art form varies from one region to another, in regards to styles. A noticeable difference is that the lathi (sticks) they use are bigger than the ones used in Netrakona region.

Nurul Haque wants all of his sons to learn the traditional art form, as he learned form his father and his father did so from his father. He also mentioned that this brainstorming camp is a good opportunity to express views with fellow lathiyals. He said that six/seven troupes are active at present in Kurigram district.

Md. Saidul Islam (Poradaho, Kushtia)

Saidul Islam is 37 years old. He is the youngest of the participating troupe leaders at the brainstorming camp. Saidul has been running his 18-member troupe for the last 18 years. He started lathi khela at the age of six. His father and grandfather were also lathiyals, informed Saidul.

Saidul wants to popularise the traditional art form among the urban people. He is a farmer and lathi khela is his passion. His troupe performs at local festivals and celebrations.