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A dance programme titled “Ghanghata 2”, organised under the theme “Let’s Get Drenched Together Again”, was held at the Bakultala premises of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka on Friday, combining the celebration of the monsoon with a fundraising campaign for flood victims in Chattogram.
The event was initiated by Ekushey Padak-winning dancer and choreographer Arthy Ahmed, with support from the Faculty of Fine Arts.
The programme, which began at 11:00 am, was open to the public. Donations for people affected by the recent floods were collected throughout the event.
The one-and-a-half-hour performance featured 16 dance recitals inspired by the works of Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Bengal’s rich folk traditions. Performers ranged from young children making their stage debut to veteran dancers.
Speaking to the media, Arthy Ahmed said preparations for the event had begun about four months ago, but the recent floods prompted the organisers to incorporate a humanitarian initiative into the programme.
“As artists, we have a responsibility to society. Alongside celebrating the monsoon, we wanted to stand beside people affected by the floods,” she said.
Members of the Arthy Ahmed Dance Academy are also making personal contributions to the relief effort. Visitors were able to donate through two fundraising booths set up by the JAAGO Foundation at the venue.
Arthy said that in urban life, the monsoon has increasingly become associated with waterlogging and traffic congestion, whereas it has historically been an integral part of Bengali culture and celebrations.
“We wanted to revive that cultural spirit while also creating an opportunity for people to support those suffering from the floods,” she said.
Although the amount raised may not be substantial, she stressed that artists cannot remain indifferent during times of crisis.
The event brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, including children, first-time performers, doctors, engineers, teachers, journalists, researchers and homemakers, highlighting the inclusive nature of the cultural initiative.
