RANGPUR, Dec 8, 2024 (BSS) - A colorful 'Instrumental Music Festival- 2024' was held in the divisional city of Rangpur to increase interest in instrumental music practice and develop cultural heritage.

The festival was organized at the Rangpur Public Library ground by the initiative of the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in collaboration with the district administration last night.

 Sumi Khatun, younger sister of Shaheed Abu Sayeed, a brilliant student of Begum Rokeya University who was martyred in the anti-discrimination student movement on July 16, formally inaugurated the festival.

 Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Md Abu Sayeed attended the event as the chief guest.

 Music instructors Tamal Kanti Lahri and Kumaresh Chandra Barman were present as special guests.

 Rangpur District Cultural Officer Nuzhat Tabassum Rimu delivered the welcome speech.

After the opening and discussion session, a musical ensemble was performed with the participation of artists from across the Rangpur district.

 Then, artists from Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat districts performed solo and group instrumental music.

The enchanting festival featured classical and folk music performed by various musical instruments including flute, stick drum, 'Dotara', 'Khamak', Small kettle-drum, Esraj, Sitar, violin, Sanai and harmonium.