Ranchi: The Bengali Yuva Manch Charitable Trust, in collaboration with other local organizations, is set to host a three-day Bengali cultural fair from May 9 to 11 at Birsa Munda Jail Park, Ranchi. The event will be formally inaugurated by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and the city is already buzzing with anticipation, especially among the Bengali community.
The fair will begin on May 9 at 9 AM with a vibrant ‘prabhat pheri’ (morning rally) starting from Durga Bari, passing through HP Road, and culminating at the venue. Participants will be dressed in traditional attire—women in red-bordered sarees and men in dhoti-kurta. Leading the rally will be a kirtan troupe, followed by a truck decorated with floral garlands, an image of Rabindranath Tagore, the Bengali alphabet, and traditional instruments, celebrating Bengal’s rich cultural heritage.
Each evening from 6 PM, local artists will present musical performances. From 7 PM onwards, renowned guest performers like Dance Gill and Mohul Band will take the stage to energize the audience with dance and live music.
On May 10 at 11 AM, local painters will showcase artworks themed on the fair. The evening will feature a special literary lecture at 5 PM marking the birth centenary of celebrated Bengali author Samaresh Basu, presented by Vidyan. This will be followed by a comedy play ‘Yam App’ at 7:30 PM and a musical performance by Malhar Karmakar Band.
On May 11 from 11 AM, painting and traditional Bengali attire competitions will be held. The evening will see musical performances by local artists from 6:30 PM, followed by a felicitation ceremony at 7 PM, featuring a poetry recitation by Dr. Devesh Thakur. Outstanding participants from various events will be honoured.
JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya remarked that people across Ranchi and Jharkhand eagerly await this annual event. He added, “This is not just a cultural festival, but a valuable opportunity to preserve and promote our shared heritage.”