A special exhibition titled 'Awakening of Sacred Peace: The Buddha of Bengal' will commence at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) on Friday, marking Buddha Purnima. 

Organised by the Oriental Art Practice Association and Learning Design Studio, the inaugural event will take place on May 9 at La Galerie.

Curated by Mikhail Idris, the show presents over a hundred artworks by 73 artists from all over Bangladesh. The works delve into the spiritual legacy and contemplations of Buddha’s life through the lens of Oriental art aesthetics.

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The exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, and ceramics using both traditional and modern techniques. Media range from oil and watercolour to ashes from Bangabazar fires, symbolizing rebirth and transformation.

Also featured are cinema banner paintings, rickshaw art, batik, needlework, and Charyapada-inspired calligraphy. This rich blend of forms offers viewers a deep artistic engagement with Buddha’s philosophy.

Alongside the exhibit, various events will take place at the venue including seminars, discussions, and cultural performances. These events will explore Buddha’s teachings and traditional Bengali art expressions.

On Saturday, May 10 at 5 pm, a seminar titled “Buddha’s Philosophy and Charyapada” will be held. Speakers include Dr. Saymon Zakaria, Nurunnabi Shanto, and Sadhika Srijoni Tania.

On Tuesday, May 13 at 6 pm, “Gautama Buddha Jibanalekkhya” will present musical and literary interpretations of Manoranjan Bala’s “Gautama Buddha Gitikabya.” Participants include Shah Alam Deyoan, Manoj Roy, and others.

On Thursday, May 15 at 5 pm, an art discussion titled “Hīrakasūtra, Reflections of Buddha, and Oriental Printmaking Traditions” will be conducted. The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Dr Rashid Amin.

Later that evening at 7 pm, a cultural programme of music, dance, and instrumentals will be presented. Featured performers include Aritree Nandy, Prapti Ghosh, and Zahangir Alom, among others.

On Friday, May 16 at 5 pm, the Revival Session will highlight Songs of the Charyapadas by Bhavnagar Foundation’s mystic artist collective. This will be a spiritual ending to the cultural series.

Since its founding in 2009, the Oriental Painting Study Group has promoted artists through many initiatives. The organizers hope this exhibition will foster peace, harmony, and universal goodwill.

The exhibition will remain open Monday to Saturday, from 3 pm to 9 pm.