As part of the Youth Festival 2025, a three-day Folk Drama Festival has commenced at the Rajshahi College grounds.
This event was organized by the Drama and Film Division of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and supported by the district administration.
The festival was inaugurated on Thursday by the chief guest, Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Torafdar Md Akhter Jamil.
Highlighting the significance of folk drama, he reminisced about the days when limited access to television made such performances a key form of entertainment in neighborhoods.
"In today’s era of television channels and abundant artists, folk dramas are losing prominence. This initiative aims to preserve this rich cultural heritage," he said.
He further explained that folk dramas reflect rural life, encompassing laughter, sorrow, satire and struggles, portrayed through a blend of music, dance, and sound.
Stressing the importance of regional culture, he said about the unique beauty of local languages and their connection to people's lives.
He praised the growing trend of producing dramas in regional dialects, saying that it evokes a unique emotional response among locals.
The festival will feature traditional performances such as Gambhira and Alkap on Thursday, Manasa Pala and Madarpir Pala on Friday and Biye Geet and Lachimon on Saturday.
Each day's program begins at 4:30pm.