A nine-member troupe from the Dhaka-based dance school ‘Kolpotoru’ represented Bangladesh at the prestigious ‘Bali Yatra Festival 2024’ in India, showcasing a vibrant display of cultural diplomacy.
Regarded as one of Asia's largest open cultural fairs, the festival is held annually in the Indian city of Cuttack, Odisha.
The seven-day event, which took place from November 15 to 22, also featured cultural groups from Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Slovakia.
The Bangladeshi troupe was fully hosted by the State Government of Odisha, according to a statement from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
Upon their arrival in India, the Bangladeshi artists were accorded a grand welcome at Bhubaneswar airport, complete with floral showers in a traditional style.
The nine performers from ‘Kolpotoru,’ a sister organization of Shadhona, delivered dazzling performances inspired by the timeless songs of Kobiguru Rabindranath Tagore and Bidrohi Kobi Kazi Nazrul Islam. Their repertoire seamlessly blended traditional and contemporary elements, culminating in a powerful display of ‘lathikhela’ and ‘raibeshe’—martial arts and grassroots dances integral to Bangladesh's cultural heritage.
The ‘Bali Yatra’ Festival symbolizes the longstanding cultural exchanges among South and Southeast Asian nations. It highlights the shared heritage, art, and traditions that connect India and Bangladesh.
Dr. Lubna Marium, principal of ‘Kolpotoru,’ expressed pride in the troupe’s participation and performance. She remarked, “The Bangladesh-India relationship is deep and multifaceted. We may have differences, but those cannot define our relations.”
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma described the participation of the Bangladeshi troupe as a testament to the strong people-to-people connections between the two countries. He emphasized that their mutual empathy and shared cultural traditions reflect the deep respect and enduring bonds that bind them together.