Nazrul Dance Festival concludes today at Shilpakala Academy

The two-day Nazrul Dance Festival 2026, organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy to portray the spirit and philosophy of Kazi Nazrul Islam through dance, will conclude today (13 September) at the academy.

Organised as part of the ‘Nazrul Year’ celebrations, the festival began on 12 September at the National Music and Dance Centre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

The festival featured new dance productions based on Nazrul’s songs, rhythms, emotions, love, rebellion, ideals of equality, and spirit of humanity through contemporary dance language.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Yasmin Begum presided over the inaugural ceremony. She said Nazrul always stood beside helpless and oppressed people.

“He rejuvenated our entire society. Through various forms of art, we want to remember him in this way,” she said.

In his welcome address, Academy Director General and poet Rezauddin Stalin said Nazrul occupies a significant place in the tradition of classical music.

“We have organised this festival featuring dance based on Nazrul Sangeet,” he said.

He said love and separation among the people of Bengal are expressed through rhythm and dance, adding that rhythm exists in every phase of life.

“Dance influences our lives and expands the world of imagination. Through this dance festival, we want to enjoy that,” he said.

In his keynote speech, Ekushey Padak-winning dancer and dance researcher Amanul Haque said Nazrul’s themes of humanity and rebellion were portrayed through dance.

“We want to embrace his thoughts and consciousness in our hearts and express them through dance,” he said.

Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Md Harun-or-Rashid, addressed the inaugural event as a special guest.

Various dance groups and dancers from across the country took part in the festival.