Cultural activists said that festivals could play an important role in passing down cultural values and traditions to the younger generation.

They made the remark at the inaugural ceremony of Nabanna Utsab 1429, which was organised by Jatiya Nabanna Utsab Udjapan Parshad at the Open Stage of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Wednesday.

Each agrarian society has its unique harvest festival. The tradition of organising Nabanna Utsab to celebrate the harvest of new crops has been passed down through generations of Bengali farmers.

The daylong Nabanna Utsab 1429 featured discussion, songs, dance recitals and recitation.

Cultural affairs minister KM Khalid inaugurated the festival as chief guest. Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University vice-chancellor Shahidur Rashid Bhuiyan and Sammilita Sangskritik Jote president Ghulam Quddus were present as special guests at the programme.

Jatiya Nabanna Utsab Udjapan Parshad general secretary Nayem Hasan Suja delivered the welcome speech and the parshad’s vice-president Sangeeta Imam anchored the event, which was presided over by the parshad’s vice-president Kazi Madina.

‘People have been celebrating Nabanna Utsab for hundreds of years. Today’s festival brings back fond memories of my childhood. Cultural festivals can play a role in passing down tradition to the younger generation,’ said KM Khalid.

‘This is the 24th Nabanna Utsab organised by us. This festival aims at

helping the younger generation connect with their roots,’ said Nayem Hasan Suja.

‘Nabanna Utsab is mainly celebrated in villages and agricultural societies. It has been passed down for generations. The festival must be organised in urban areas to inspire urban youths to explore their root,’ said Ghulam Quddus.

‘Cultural festivals can instil tolerance in youths,’ added Ghulam Quddus.

Artistes entertained the audience presenting songs, dance recitals and others at the event.

The cultural show began with a group instrumental recital. Among others, Hasan Ali played flute, Dalim Kumar Barua played keyboard and Swapan Mia played drums.

Artistes of Bonhishikha sang group songs, namely Aji Gaaner Tale Hridoy Dole and Agey Ki Sundar Din Kataitam while artistes of Bulbul Academy of Fine sang Phire Chal Mathe Ghate.

Dance troupe Nrityam, under the direction of Tamanna Rahman, staged a group dance recital synchronised with the song Banglar Mati Banglar Jal while dance troupe Nrityajan, under the direction of Nayem Hasan Suja, staged a dance recital synchronised with the song Hey Samalo Dhan Ho.

Rabirashmi director Mahadev Ghosh sang Rabindranath Tagore’s song Se Din Amay Bolechhile and Nazrul singer Bijon Chandra Mistry sang a patriotic song Mago Dhonno Holo Jibon Amar and Rupa Chakraborty recited a poem penned by Jibanananda Das titled Amake Tumi at the event.

Besides, different cultural troupes namely, Dibya, Spandan, Udichi, Wrishiz Shilpigoshthi, Kranti Shilpigoshti, Swanan, Dhriti Nartanalaya and others performed at the event.