The Bangladesh Dance Artistes' Association and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) have jointly chalked out a commemorative programme marking 97th birth anniversary of Nrityacharya Bulbul Chowdhury, the pioneer classical dancer and painter of Bangladesh. Bulbul Chowdhury Mela-2016 begins today (January 1) at National Theatre Hall of BSA at 6pm.

A two-day (December 28-29) dance workshop based on Bulbul's composition and an open discussion on the creativity of the artiste was held at BSA. Noted dancers Deepa Khandakar, Kabirul Islam Ratan, Belayet Hossain Khan, MR Wasek and Farhana Chowdhury Baby conducted the workshop while Nilufar Wahid Papri directed it.

Today's programme includes discussion, conferring Bulbul Chowdhury Award on noted dancer Saleha Chowdhury, certificate

giving ceremony and performance of dance by soloists and troupes.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Akhtari Momtaz will attend the event as chief guest while President of International Theatre Institute (worldwide), Ramendu Majumdar and human rights activist Sultana Kamal will be present as special guests. Nrityagurus - Amanul Haque, Rahija Khanam Jhunu, Minu Haque and Mahfuzur Rahman will discuss on the life and work of Bulbul Chowdhury. Director General of BSA Liaquat Ali Lucky will preside over the programme.

A lively dance show featuring solo artistes and dance troupes will present classical, contemporary and folk dances at the event. As previous years, Bulbul Chowdhury birth anniversary celebration programme will take place at all the divisional, district and upazila level branches of the association covering entire Bangladesh.