The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Folk music has its own language. Through its language folk music can express origin of the people's feelings and voices. Folk music may be described as that type of ancient music, which springs from the heart of a community, based on their natural style of expression, uninfluenced by the rules of classical music and modern popular songs. Any mode or form created by the combination of tune, voice and dance may be described as music. Thus, the combination of folk song, folk dance, and folk tune may be called folk music. For example, baul songs are a combination of tune, music and dance.

In Bangladesh, folk music has great variety, with songs being composed on the culture, festivals, views of life, natural beauty, rivers and rural and riverine life.

Of the folk songs, 'Punthi' has a significant role. Folk music has its own characteristics. The main characteristics are - it is composed by rural folk on the basis of ancient rules transmitted orally, these ancient rules of music have not been influenced by classical or modern music, it is composed and performed by illiterate or semi-literate people and it is a spontaneous expression in easy language and simple tune.

But in reality the folk music in our country is on dilapidated state now. For the survival of folk music some baul and folk artistes organised a press conference under the banner of Bangla Folk Media at Dhaka Reporters Unity yesterday.

At the press conference they urged the government to come forward for the survival of the country's traditional folk songs.

They also urged the government to identify the lost songs of the country like 'Punthi,' 'Gainer Geet,' 'Ghatu' songs, 'Pala' songs and others, which are now on verge of ruination.

"It is necessary to patronise those folk artistes who are raising folk songs not only in Bangladesh but also around the world," said the folk artistes and adding the necessity of the security of the folk artistes from the administration during their performance.

Abdul Quddus Boyati, Chairman of Bangla Folk Media, read out a written statement at the conference, while Faruk Shahriar, Executive Director of Bangla Folk Media, among others, were present.

Quddus Boyati said, "It is essential to practicing folk songs for its survival. For this reason, media coverage is also necessary for promoting folk music in the country."

"A cultural function on 'Punthi Path' to be held at Dehunda village of Karimganj in Kishoreganj on October 26 to memorise the famous 'Punthi' artiste Munshi Azimuddin. Chishtia Shilpi Goshthi will give all support to arrange the programme, " he said.

Md Shorful Alam, Cultural Affairs Secretary, is expected to be present as chief guest at the function. Dr Syed Mohammad Shahed, Director General of Bangla Academy, ASM Mahbubul Alam, DC of Kishoreganj, Md Atikur Rahman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Karimganj, Sayed Milky, Communication Specialist of the UNICEF, among others, will be present at the event, said the organisers.