In a spectacular resurgence of normalcy following the global pandemic, Bangladesh witnessed a jam-packed year in 2023 with a multitude of local and international exhibitions, festivals, and cultural events, captivating art-culture enthusiasts and admirers throughout the country.
Dhaka Lit Fest returns with grandeur:
Kicking off the cultural extravaganza, the 10th edition of the Dhaka Lit Fest, which ran from January 5-8, marked a triumphant return after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The literary celebration set the stage for a year filled with remarkable artistic and cultural festivities.
Cinematic feast at Dhaka International Film Festival:
The 21st edition of the Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) commenced shortly after the Lit Fest, showcasing 252 films from 71 countries. The festival, one of the oldest and most regular cultural events in the country, treated audiences to a diverse array of cinematic masterpieces.
Dhaka Art Summit's flood of creativity:
The long-awaited 6th edition of the Dhaka Art Summit (DAS) made a triumphant return, captivating art enthusiasts with its theme 'Bonna' (Flood) at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Amar Ekushey Book Fair triumphs over pandemic:
The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair, which commenced on February 1st at the premises of Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan, marked a successful return after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020.
‘Made in Bangladesh’ musical extravaganza:
In celebration of World Music Day 2023, the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka hosted a multidisciplinary musical and theatrical performance titled "Made in Bangladesh" by Max Vandervorst of Belgium and 'Joler Gaan' band frontman Rahul Ananda. The event gained international acclaim, leading to a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron in September.
Urban events captivate netizens:
The Aloki Convention Centre in Tejgaon became a hotspot for urban events, hosting the Bangladesh Fashion Week 2023, Dhaka Makers 2023's inaugural edition, and the first-ever Arka Fashion Week. The venue also witnessed high-profile concerts, including a mesmerizing night featuring popular Indian singer Lucky Ali.
Gallery Cosmos' artistic extravaganza:
Gallery Cosmos, the philanthropic and artistic wing of Cosmos Group, organized a series of exhibitions and art events, including an Intaglio process-Softground and Stencil Workshop by Professor Rokeya Sultana, an exclusive watercolor art camp titled 'Splendours of Bangladesh,' and a joint exhibition with the Turkish Embassy.
Diverse festivals across the country:
Throughout 2023, various local and international festivals lit up the cultural scene, including the Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival, International Children's Film Festival Bangladesh, Chhayanaut's traditional Bengali New Year celebration, the Ganga Jamuna Cultural Festival 2023, Korean Film Festival 2023, and more.
Musical extravaganza delights audiences:
Multiple venues, including the International Convention Centre Bashundhara, Bangladesh Army Stadium, Hatirjheel Amphitheatre, and Aloki Convention Centre, played host to high-profile musical events. Noteworthy performances included To Gaza from Dhaka, Joy Bangla Concert, Coke Studio Bangla Live, and the highly acclaimed second edition of Coke Studio Bangla.
Thriving concert scene with Indian and West Bengal artists:
The Dhaka concert scene thrived throughout 2023 with big banner concerts featuring major artists and bands from India and West Bengal, including Lucky Ali, Anupam Roy, Chandrabindoo, Fossils, Taalpatar Shepai, Anuv Jain, Darshan Raval, and others.
In summary, 2023 proved to be a tremendous year for art and culture enthusiasts in Bangladesh, with a diverse range of events leaving an indelible mark. As the year concluded, anticipation for the forthcoming year is high, promising another year of cultural festivities.