As a child, I loved the rain. I would beg my parents to let me go outside every time it rained. They usually refused, fearing I might catch a cold. I remember feeling deeply upset and frustrated. I promised myself that when I grew up, I would get drenched in the rain as much as I wanted.
But now that I am an adult, I no longer run out to enjoy the rain. More often than not, I see rain as an inconvenience. However, this weekend, I had the chance to reconnect with my fascination for the monsoon through dance.
On Friday, 110 dancers came together to celebrate the monsoon rain with graceful steps. Ghonogota, the latest production of Arthy Ahmed Dance Academy, was held at Charukola's Bokultola. As dancers aged 18 to 70 greeted the monsoon with rhythmic grace, their movements felt like an invitation to embrace the carefree joy of the rain.
Starting from Pagla Hawa to Mono Moro Meghero Shongi, the dancers performed beloved songs about rain. As if joining the celebration, the sky blessed us with just the right amount of rain around the fourth dance number, not too much to overshadow the performances, but enough to create the perfect atmosphere.
Ghonogota was more than a celebration of rain; it was a reminder that we can rediscover life's little joys. Watching this diverse group of dancers felt revolutionary.
In a world where adults often struggle to tap into creative pursuits, it was inspiring to see people from all walks of life dancing their hearts out. From university students to faculty, new mothers, and mothers with their children, to professionals from various fields, their dedication to art was a joy to witness.
One of the artists said: "After a stressful week at the office, it's such a great way to unwind, spending hours each week dancing. We put in a lot of love and effort, overcame many challenges to make Ghonogota a success, and seeing it all come together makes everything worth it."
The audience included loved ones showing unwavering support, as well as people eager to enjoy a unique dance recital.
One attendee. said: "I was blown away when Arthy Ahmed came on stage at the end. Such a beautiful, festive, and classy programme. We need more events like this to spend our Fridays with."
Perhaps Dhaka needs more of this - moments to pause from the daily grind and appreciate the simple pleasures in life, like the sound of rain.
