5th Dhaka International Folk Fest (DIFF) kicks off with versatile performances

The fifth Dhaka International Folk Fest (DIFF) kicked off on Thursday at the Bangladesh Army Stadium like in previous years, with much enthusiasm among music lovers of the city. 

The opening day of the fifth DIFF saw a huge crowd waiting patiently  at Bangladesh Army Stadium on Thursday in long lines. 

This year, the festival is dedicated to six legends of Bangla music: Fakir Abdur Rob Shah, Subir Nandi, Bari Siddiqui, Shahnaz Rahmatullah, Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul, and Ayub Bachchu. 

On the first day, Bhabna Nritya Dol led by Prema presented a mesmerising opening dance. 

Next, Georgian folk band Chveneburebi took the stage and performed Georgian folk music. Folk singer Shah Alam Sarkar rendered popular folk songs. much to the enjoyment of the audience.

The opening day of the festival ended with a performance by Indian folk singer Daler Mehndi, popular for Bhangra folk songs in the Indian subcontinent. 

Known as The  King of Bhangra, Daler Mehndi overwhelmed the crowd with tracks like Bolo ta ra ra ra and Tunak Tunak. 

Yesterday (Friday) Bauliana singers Kamruzzaman Rabbi and Shafikul Islam, legendary Bangladeshi folk bard Kajol Dewan, Pakistani sufi singer Hina Nasrullah, popular Bangladeshi folk singer Fakir Shabuddin and Malian singer Habib Koité and his band Bamada performed. 

Arranged by Sun Foundation, the co-hosts of DIFF 2019 are Meril, Dhaka Bank Limited, and spice brand Radhuni. Maasranga Television is broadcasting the festival live.

The festival will end on Saturday and the line-up includes Malek Qawwal and Chandona Majumdar from Bangladesh, Sattuma from Russia, and Pakistani  band Junoon. Many youngsters will attend the last day of the festival to see Junnon perform live, a band that  has created much hype among music lovers. 

A total of 200 artistes from six countries around the world will share the stage at the three day festival.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen inaugurated the festival as chief guest and Anjan Chowdhury, chairman of Sun Foundation and Sun Communications Limited, attended the ceremony.