PIROJPUR, Mar 12: 'Jatra-Pala' which was once a popular folk culture in rural society, is now gradually disappearing. As a result, a vacuum is going to be created in the popular cultural field of the country.
Once the rural areas of the country remained rejuvenated with the colourful and artistic 'Jatra-Pala' with actors and actresses presenting open stage drama based on popular local stories. But, nowadays, with the advent of modern technology-based recreation, the heritage is gradually disappearing from the
society.
Some activists opined that there is no visible step from any corner to protect the popular form of folk culture from the imminent assault of foreign cultures.
Like other areas of the country, the southern part is also enriched with various forms of cultural activities. But, now the major part of the community is opposing their own cultural roots like the 'Jatra-Pala'. But, by ignoring the roots of its typical culture, a nation cannot advance.
Bijoy Kumar Mondal, former teacher and an amateur Jatra artist said, "In Jatra-Pala, we used to focus on historical facts and social issues in a dramatic style and people also enjoyed that as they got pure recreation from it."
Shahidul Alam Montu, a freedom fighter who are interested in folklore, said, "There were many opera parties in Pirojpur and the surrounding districts. The first opera of the district was 'Minerva Theatre' in the early 60s. A government official Sheikh Nurul Islam formed the opera. One Sudhir Kumar Hawlader formed 'Sree Hari Opera Party' which used to stage Jatra-Pala in the town and rural areas. There were 40-50 people in the opera."
He further said, "There was a fully commercial 'Bangasree Opera Party' in the neighbouring Morelganj upazila of Bagerhat district and another 'Natya Jatra Party' in Jhalakati district. The 'Dipali Opera' in Gopalganj was very popular. Besides these, 'Ambika Opera' and 'Babul Opera' were also very popular. Famous Jatra artist Amalendu Biswas formed 'Charunic Natya Gosthi and Charunic Jatra Opera' which used to stage modern forms of Jatra-Pala."
Another Jatra artist Hari Krishna Tewary said, "A song-based orchestra was owned by one Tofajjal Hossain Tota Mia alias Tota Chairman in Pirojpur town."
AFM Reazul Karim, a theatre artist and organiser said, "The theatre located in Town Hall was the most popular in Pirojpur town. Many distinguished people of the town were involved with it."
General Secretary of District Shilpakala Academy Ziaul Ahsan Gazi said, "We are trying to motivate the new generation on popular folk culture. In this connection, the academy committee has been expanded up to upazila level. The government has constructed new academy building at every district town where officials have been posted."
