The rich tapestry of Bengali culture was on vibrant display in Lucknow as the city hosted the prestigious 59th Prakash Chandra Ghosh Memorial All India Full-Length Bengali Drama Competition. The inaugural day on Saturday was marked by a captivating performance of the traditional art form Putul Nach (puppet dance), setting a high artistic tone for the event.
A Traditional Art Form Takes Center Stage
The opening act featured the timeless tale from 'Thakumar Jhuli', presented by the renowned Baruipur Gangaradi Puppet Theatre Group. The performance was directed by the acclaimed Dr. Pradip Sardar from Kolkata, who brought the folk narrative to life with intricate puppetry and storytelling. This presentation served as a powerful reminder of Bengal's enduring cultural heritage.
Diverse Performances and National Participation
Adding to the day's cultural richness, a 'Shruti Natak' (audio drama) was presented by Indrajeet Mitra and Rupa Mukherjee of Lucknow. Their performance received widespread appreciation from the audience, showcasing local talent within the national framework of the competition.
This event holds the unique distinction of being the only full-length Bengali Drama Competition of its kind in India. It has drawn significant participation from across the country, with at least 16 theatre teams from leading cultural groups in major cities including Delhi, Ahmedabad, and West Bengal. The competition is being hosted at the historic Bengali Club & Youngmen's Association in Lucknow.
A Platform for Cultural Preservation and Exchange
The annual competition serves as a crucial platform for preserving and promoting Bengali language theatre outside its traditional geographical heartland. By bringing together artists from states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and the national capital, it fosters a unique cultural exchange. The inclusion of traditional forms like Putul Nach alongside modern full-length dramas and experimental formats like Shruti Natak highlights the evolving yet rooted nature of Bengali performing arts.
The successful inaugural day promises an exciting lineup of theatrical performances in the days to come, as teams vie for top honors in this celebrated national forum.
