The three-day events to celebrate the 163rd birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore concluded at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital on Friday.

The concluding ceremony was held at the National Theatre Hall Auditorium of the academy at 10:00am.

Padma Shri Award-winning noted Tagore singer Rezwana Choudhury Bannya graced the occasion as the chief guest while Rabindra University Vice-Chancellor Professor Prof Md Shah Azam was the key note speaker. Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Naheed Ezaher Khan spoke at the ceremony as the special guests. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky welcomed the guests at the event jointly organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Cultural Affairs Ministry.

A cultural programme was also held followed by discussion. Artistes of Shurer Dhara, a cultural organisation, performed ensemble songs “Sokha Moder Bedhe Rakho Premodore” and   “Ami Marer Sagor Pari Debo”.

The event concluded with the performance of the dance drama “Chitrangada” by the student of Rabindra University.

The dance drama “Chitrangada” is based on Tagore’s drama of the same name. Tagore wrote the drama at the age of 31 years. He brought the play to stage as a lyrical dance drama in 1936 at the age of 75.

The story of the play revolves around Chitrangada, a princess of Manipur and her lover Arjun.

 An expert in warfare, Chitrangada was no intention to lead the life of a common lady. But fortune frowns on her. Being acquainted with Arjun, Chitrangada falls in love with him.

As a Brahmachari, Arjun refuses her love. Another reason for refusing her maybe she is not so beautiful.

Brokenhearted, Chitrangada, who is also termed “Kurupa”, prays to Madan, the god of love, for beautifying herself. Impressed with her prayer, the god of love blesses her with a new formation, granting a beautiful appearance as “Shurupa” for a year so that she can impress Arjun.

Seeing her dazzling beauty, Arjun falls in love with the transformed princess. Thus, the story reaches its climax when Arjun feels a dire urge to meet the Kurupa form of Chitrangada for her bravery.