The dying art of jatra

Published: October 31, 2016 20:10:05 | Updated: October 22, 2017 16:29:22

Jatra, a form of opera, was once a very common means of entertainment all over the country, particularly in the countryside. Jatra was also quite popular among the educated and culturally enlightened people. Famous jatras in those days were Gunai bibi, Rakhal Bondhu, Rupban, Mayer Prem, Shagor Bhasha, Lalon Fakir, Nawab Sirajuddowla, Anarkoli, Ekti Paisa, Surjo Shakkhi, etc. A huge number of jatra watchers used to gather for entertainment. Hundreds of people, including actors and actresses, were associated with jatra and spent their entire life with jatra parties. They had a glorious life.
But sadly, the once crowd-drawing art in our traditional cultural form is now almost extinct. Can we do something to revive the dying jatra?
Aminul Hoque
Benopole, Jessore