Exhibiting Bengali traditional music Instruments

 

Exhibiting Bengali traditional music Instruments

Exploring the musical heritage of Bangladesh

Mohammad Jakir Hossain

Artist, Researcher and instruments developer

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Live Bengali instruments at the exhibition, Artwork; John Mohammad 

Venue

Coxiyana

Laboni beach road, Cox’s Bazar

Bengali traditional music is a significant part of the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh. It is an art form that has been passed down from generation to generation and has evolved over time. Traditional music is expressions and reflects the daily life, struggles, and joys of the Bengali people. The history of Bengali folk music can be traced back to the 8th century. It was initially influenced by the music of the Bauls, who were wandering minstrels singing songs of love and devotion. The Bauls played a significant role in shaping the music and culture of Bengal.

The country has a long history of developing, producing and promoting traditional instruments like the ektara, dotara, khamak, khol, kartal, dubki and others evolving with the practitioners. Over time, Bengali folk music was influenced by various other factors such as the arrival of the Mughals in the 16th century, who brought with them their music and instruments. The British colonial rule in the 19th and 20th centuries also had an impact on Bengali music. The introduction of Western musical instruments and styles led to the creation of new genres of Bengali music.

          Preparation for the exhibition

To promote and celebrate Bengali traditional musical instruments, an exhibition was held at Coxiyana, a cafe in Cox's Bazar, from February 21st to 28th, 2023. The exhibition was organised to coincide with International Mother Language Day and collaborated with a Pitha Utsav, which succeeded to celebrate Bengali cultural heritage in a nutshell. It was open for all, and the visitors had the opportunity to see and learn about various Bengali traditional instruments and also enjoy handmade Bengali cakes and snacks.

              Celebration of Alpana

The event started with Alpana, the ritual art of Bengalis near the Cox’s Bazar Cultural Centre by the children from the local community, and guided by the artists on the 20th evening of february. A musical event was held to inaugurate the program. New generation musicians and music lovers from Cox’s Bazar, and the tourists  embellished the venue with their participation. 

One of the makers, Azadul Islam from Gaibandha district was present in the exhibition all along. He has been making traditional Bengali instruments for many years and has gained a reputation for his quality work in North Bengal. Azadul's instruments are known for their unique designs and high-quality sounds. He is also passionate about promoting Bengali traditional music and preserving the traditional instruments' legacy.

Azadul Islam performing with local musicians and audience

Azadul was excited to participate in the exhibition and showcase his work. He performed and promoted Bengali folk of various subgenres collaborating with other local musicians. He is one of the instrument makers brought under an initiative of developing Bengali traditional musical instruments, and an instrument maker's life development project by Obokolpo, a startup on music platform and instrument making.

The exhibition featured a wide range of traditional Bengali instruments, including the ektara, dotara, swaraj,  khamak, khol, kartal, dubki, and experimental instruments. The visitors had the opportunity to see and hear each instrument played by the makers themselves. The makers were happy to demonstrate the unique sound and style of their instruments.

Ektara, Dotara and Swaraj

One of the most popular instruments was the ektara, a single-stringed instrument used in Bengali folk music. The ektara is a simple instrument, but it has a unique sound that is instantly recognizable. The visitors were fascinated by the instrument's design and the makers' ability to create such a beautiful sound using just one string.

Another popular instrument was the dotara, a stringed instrument that is also widely used in Bengali folk music. The dotara has a more complex design than the ektara, and it requires a lot of skill to play. The makers were happy to demonstrate their skills, and the visitors were amazed by the sound that they could create.

The khamak, khol, kartal, and dubki are percussion instruments that are commonly used in Bengali traditional and folk music. Each instrument has its unique sound, and the makers were happy to demonstrate the different rhythms and beats that they could create. The visitors were fascinated by the complexity of the rhythms and the way the makers could control the sound.

       

      Percussion instruments and an experimental Model named Reba

In addition to the traditional instruments, the exhibition also featured experimental instruments that combined traditional designs with modern adaptability. These instruments were designed to appeal to younger audiences who are interested in exploring new sounds and styles. The makers were excited to showcase their new designs and received positive feedback from the visitors.

Experimental model of swaraj named Surela

Specially processed gourd ektara

Every evening, a musical show was held, featuring traditional Bengali music played on the instruments exhibited. The shows were well-attended and provided an opportunity for the visitors to hear the instruments played in a live setting. The musicians were highly skilled, and they received a lot of appreciation from the audience.

       Cake corner and musical event

The Pitha Utsav that was held in conjunction with the exhibition was also a huge success. Pitha is a traditional Bengali sweet, and the visitors were delighted to taste the different varieties that were on offer. The Pitha Utsav provided a unique opportunity for visitors to experience another aspect of Bengali culture and to learn.

The local news channels and media groups covered the exhibition and promoted it on the internet. The recorded reviews and feedback from the arranger, instrument makers and visitors. Their publications and promotions influenced many visitors in Cox’s Bazar and also many tourists from outside the city.

Jakir Hossain and Salauddin Hasnat, interview on the exhibition

As a pilot project, Obokolpo facilitated the accommodation and transportation of instrument makers, and provided modest emoluments. Into Positive, a Cox’s Bazar-based audio-visual media consultancy service provider, supported the overall activities. Although the expectation of better remuneration has yet to be fulfilled, the instrument makers were satisfied with showcasing their artworks in the exhibition.

The official closing date of the exhibition was February 28th, but it was extended until March 5th upon the request and expectations of visitors and musician groups. We look forward to continuing the development projects for Bengali traditional musical instruments and the livelihoods of instrument makers, as well as holding exhibitions globally. Beginning with Cox's Bazar, the city with the world's largest sea beach, we aim to promote and spread Bengali culture and heritage worldwide.

Mohammad Jakir Hossain with experimental models of Bengali traditional instruments.

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Coverage

In conclusion, the Bengali traditional instrument exhibition held at Coxiyana, Cox's Bazar, was a great success in promoting and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh in a small setup. The exhibition showcased a wide range of traditional instruments and experimental designs, and the visitors had the opportunity to connect with them. The evening musical shows and the Pitha Utsav added to the overall experience and provided a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about Bengali culture. The makers and musicians who participated in the exhibition demonstrated their passion and dedication to preserving the legacy of traditional Bengali music and instruments. The exhibition was a reminder of the importance of promoting and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Exhibition Initiated by Mohammad Jakir Hossain

Sponsored by Obokolpo