A two-day “Nazrul Dance Festival 2026”, organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy as part of the Nazrul Barsha celebrations, is underway at the academy featuring dance performances inspired by the works and philosophy of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

The festival, which began on Saturday, will conclude today with the final day’s programme starting at 6:30pm at the National Music and Dance Centre Auditorium.

Different dance groups are presenting performances based on Nazrul’s songs and creative works, exploring themes of rebellion, love, equality, humanity and beauty.

The festival aims to explore Nazrul’s multifaceted creative world through dance and present his spirit of humanism, communal harmony and resistance in contemporary dance language.

Culture Affairs Secretary Yasmin Begum, who presided over the inaugural session on Saturday, said Nazrul always stood beside the oppressed and helpless people and sought to revitalise society through his works. “We want to remember him in this way through various forms of art,” she said.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General poet Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed (Rezauddin Stalin), in his welcome address, said Nazrul occupies a significant place in the tradition of classical music and that the festival was organised around dance based on his songs.

“Love and separation of the people of Bengal find expression through rhythm and dance. Rhythm is present in every stage of life. Dance influences our lives and expands our imaginative world,” he said.

Ekushey Padak-winning dancer and dance researcher Amanul Haque, the keynote speaker, said the themes of Nazrul’s humanism and rebellion could be conveyed through dance.

“We want to embrace his thoughts and philosophy in our hearts and express them through dance,” he said.

On the first day, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy presented “Shankashunyo Lakkho Konthe” at the beginning of the second segment of the programme. Naim Khan Dance Company performed “Amar Kaifiyat”, while Nrityayatan, Mymensingh, presented “O Bhai Khati Sonar Cheye Khati”, choreographed by Md Nazmul Haque.

Other participating groups included Spondon, Bhabna, Nrityalok Cultural Centre, Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts and Kayashram.

Dance groups from different parts of the country also took part in the festival, including Swapnik Nritya Bikash of Madaripur, Anjali Nrityangan Academy, Artisty, Sadhana, Nrityayan, Nabodoot Cultural Academy of Kishoreganj, Diksha, Tapasya, Nandan Kalakendra, Nrityomi of Mymensingh, Paraspara, Nrityakkho, Nrityasur, Swapnachura Cultural Academy, Gurukul Cultural Centre, Zinia Nrityakala Academy, Bakul Nrityalay and Nrityam Nrityashilan Kendra.

The academy hopes the festival will create a creative dialogue between Nazrul’s diverse body of work and dance, encouraging new productions that explore his songs, rhythms, ideas, love, rebellion, equality and humanity through contemporary dance.

The festival is open to all.