A 3-day festival marking the 164th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore began today at the historic Rabindra Kachari Bari in Shahzadpur. Photo: BSS

SIRAJGANJ, May 8, 2025 (BSS) - A three-day festival marking the 164th birth anniversary of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore began today at the historic Rabindra Kachari Bari in Shahzadpur here.

Organized by the Sirajganj district administration with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the event opened with discussions, recitations, music, and dance performances in the morning. 

The celebration is being held at the Kachari Bari, a part of Tagore's ancestral estate, where he spent significant time and drew deep inspiration for his literary works.

In a letter to his niece Indira Devi, Tagore once wrote, "Here (Shahzadpur) I get the inspiration of writing rather than any other place." 

During his stays, he penned parts of the play Bishorjon, as well as numerous poems and short stories featured in collections such as Sonar Tori, Chitra, Chaitali, Galpaguchchho, Chhinnapatra, Panchabhooter Diary, and Meyeli Chhara. Researchers have also documented 38 letters written by him from this location.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Md Abdul Khaleque, Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Md Nazrul Islam and Superintendent of Police Md Faruk Hossain, among others, were present. 

Assistant Professor Khairun Nisa of Rabindra University's Bangla Department presented the keynote paper, shedding light on Tagore's enduring bond with Shahzadpur.

Abdul Khaleque said Rabindranath Tagore, the writer of our national anthem, fell in love with the land and people of Shahzadpur while managing his family estate here.

Visitors from across the country and abroad gathered at the venue to pay tribute to the poet. 

Cultural performances will continue on the second and third days of the festival.