The Government Will Take Necessary Initiatives to Revive the Traditions of Jatra Pala and Circus: Cultural Affairs Minister

Photo: CNI

Staff Reporter: The government will take necessary initiatives to revive the lost traditions and popularity of the country's traditional performing arts, Jatra Pala and circus. These art forms involve not only artists and performers but also musicians, entrepreneurs, organizers, and various small-scale traders associated with fairs. Therefore, the development of Jatra Pala and circus is linked not only to the preservation of the country's cultural heritage but also to the livelihoods and employment of many people.

Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury made these remarks while delivering his speech as the chief guest at a day-long workshop titled "Performing Arts: Circus and Jatra Pala" at the seminar room of the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy today (November 11).

Culture State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam MP, Information and Culture Adviser to the Prime Minister on Policy and Strategy Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, and Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Yasmin Begum attended the workshop as special guests.

The minister said that Jatra groups were once established through business initiatives in different parts of the country. Jatra Pala and circus were among the main sources of entertainment for rural people. However, with the passage of time, the expansion of social media, and the emergence of diverse entertainment opportunities, people's interest and attraction towards these art forms have declined. Moreover, the inclusion of some distasteful presentations and dance performances in Jatra Pala has reduced opportunities to enjoy this art form in a family-friendly environment. To overcome this situation, he called upon everyone involved to promote quality Jatra Pala and circus performances that are closely connected to everyday life, portray struggles, and raise social awareness.

Culture State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam said that the government would take all possible initiatives to revive traditional performing arts such as Jatra Pala and circus. There are plans to organize cultural festivals simultaneously in all districts of the country in December. He urged representatives of Jatra and circus groups present at the workshop to submit specific proposals within the next five days so that they could participate positively and creatively in these festivals.

Information and Culture Adviser to the Prime Minister on Policy and Strategy, Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, said that the government was working to ensure healthy and quality entertainment for everyone. He proposed forming a special cell by assigning an official from the ministry as its focal point to identify and resolve existing obstacles to organizing Jatra Pala and circus performances. This would allow the concerned groups to contact the official directly if they faced any complications regarding permissions.

Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Yasmin Begum said that Jatra Pala and circus needed to be modernized to suit changing times. She emphasized ensuring tasteful, creative, and story-based performances so that family members of all ages could enjoy these events together.

The workshop was moderated by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Md. Harun Or Rashid. Dr. Shahman Maulan, Chairman of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Dhaka, delivered a PowerPoint presentation.

Representatives from 35 renowned Jatra groups and 12 circus groups from different parts of the country participated in the workshop. Discussions focused on their experiences, challenges, prospects, and future course of action.

The workshop is expected to play an important role in identifying the challenges facing the country's traditional Jatra Pala and circus industries, exploring their potential, and developing effective action plans for their sustainable growth.