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Bangladesh Festival Transforms Cultural Landscape, Igniting Nationwide Appreciation
- By Efazul Karim -- 6 minutes read --
- Aug 24, 23
" A Cultural Extravaganza Bridging Heritage and Modernity "
In the busiest city in Bangladesh, cultural heritage seemed overshadowed by the constant boredom and hustle of life. People, engrossed in their daily routines in Dhaka, had little time for the rich traditions of Bangladesh. Recognizing this cultural void, the Bangladesh Festival emerged as a vibrant solution. It aimed to infuse the city with the essence of its own heritage, creating a bridge between the relentless pace of life and the timeless beauty of tradition. The festival transformed the location into a lively celebration of color, sound, and flavor, captivating the busy inhabitants. It served as a significant reminder that amidst the daily chaos, there exists a reservoir of cultural treasures waiting to be explored. The festival became a country-wide event, sowing the seed of cultural appreciation in the hearts of the people.
The Bangladesh Festival was organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Board, and the concepts were generated and implemented by Spellbound Leo Burnett. The event was sponsored by Mutual Trust Bank Limit (MTB). It was a vibrant celebration of the rich culture and heritage of the nation regarding World Tourism Day 2023, which spanned over four days. The event was held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center from September 27 to September 30, 2023. The festival highlighted its crucial role in boosting the GDP growth of the country and shaping future tourist destinations for the world to explore. The event brought together almost 30,000 visitors and individuals from all eight divisions to portray the diverse culture in 70 regional stalls. It held sessions and different programs that focused on issues regarding tourism in Bangladesh.
The inaugural program of the festival, which took place on September 27, was graced by the presence of Honorable Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain, Tourism Board Director Mr. Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, Mr. R. A. M. Ubaydul Moktadir from the Ministry Division, Secretary Md. Mokammel Hossain, and Chairman Md Rahat Anwar. The Bangladesh Festival addressed a variety of tourism issues. The sessions were led by guests and influential individuals from various sectors, and they addressed critical issues such as Plastic-Free Saint Martin and the Role of Entertainment Parks in Tourism Development.
A spectacular exhibition comprised a boat race, a 150-foot-long boat crewed by a hundred rowers, and an outstanding visual display. Various artworks were displayed on the festival grounds, with exhibitions of pottery, cane, and woodcraft. Aside from traditional foods, fruit drinks and various types of seafood that are popular in the country were served. Pithas are widely consumed in Bangladesh. Pithas of various flavors were available at stalls such as Nokshi, Koli, Choi, Patishapta, Teler Pitha, and many more. To add to that list, Jashore sweets and Bogura doi are two of the most well-known treats. These delectable delights were also available at several food vendors, providing a culinary depiction of Bangladesh's rich past. As the sun dropped, the Bangladesh Festival arena was illuminated with warm and bright lights, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.
Throughout the festival, performances such as Gambhira, regional songs from Sylhet, Gazi Kalur Pot, Patha Natya, Baul Songs, Puthi Path, Kawali, and musical arrangements by eminent artists added to the holistic celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh. Cultural Classicists also performed on stage, attracting a large audience.
The festival also served as a tourism industry marketplace. Various stakeholders, ranging from airlines and hotels to resorts and tourist vessels, offered enticing deals to improve tourist attractions. Cultural exchange was one of the major focus of this event, which served as a platform to celebrate diversity.
Multiple sessions and programs were held on the second and third days of the festival. Among them were Tour operation and guiding, tourism employment, heritage conservation, and The role of technology in sustainable development.
Md. Mahbub Ali, MP, state minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, addressed the closing ceremony. The event included a fashion show at the Bangladesh Festival, where Jinia Akter, a talented woman, stood out and went on to win the Miss Tourism Bangladesh 2023 competition. The day also covered topics such as tourism Safety and Security in Tourism and Prospects of the Aviation Industry in the Development of Tourism in Bangladesh.
When the festival's impact lingered long after the lights went out, Dhaka, once overshadowed by the boredom of life, is now a thriving cultural center. The seeds of cultural appreciation planted during those four days promised to grow into a lasting legacy, shaping the story of the rich heritage of Bangladesh for years to come. The Bangladesh Festival had become more than just an event; it had become a transformative force, breathing new life into the nation's cultural tapestry. The Bangladesh Festival had a long-lasting impact, transforming Bangladesh into a vibrant cultural hub and planting cultural appreciation in the hearts of its people.
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