Bangla Sanskriti Boloy a leading cultural organizations having its branches across the country as well as Bangladesh submitted a memorandum to the Director of the Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department on Monday, seeking prioritization of Bengali songs and dances over prevailing high pitch DJ culture during the upcoming Sharodiya festival. Led by Partha Majumder, a member of the executive committee of Bangla Sanskriti Boloy’s Tripura Chapter, the delegation emphasized the need for the ICA Department to play an active role in curbing DJ culture in clubs during Durga Puja and other significant Bengali festivals.
The delegation stressed that DJ culture contradicts Bengali history, traditions, social life, and environmental norms. They pointed out that the pervasive DJ culture has a detrimental influence on the youth, fostering addiction and disorder. According to the delegation, the rise of DJ culture during significant cultural festivals undermines the essence of Bengali cultural heritage and disrupts the traditional and environmental fabric of the society.
To counter this trend, the delegation proposed that clubs or social organizations promoting DJ culture during Sharad Utsav should be excluded from competitions. They argued that such measures would disincentivize the promotion of DJ culture and encourage a return to traditional forms of celebration.
The delegation advocated for promoting creative expressions that are more in line with Bengali and Tribal cultural heritage. They suggested a focus on activities such as songs, dance, drama, recitations, paintings, sculptures, and publications that reflect local cultures. They emphasized that these forms of creative expression are not only more culturally appropriate but also help in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Bengal.
Furthermore, the delegation proposed that the ICA Department should inform clubs about these criteria at least three months prior to Sharad Utsav through meetings or notices. This advance notice would allow clubs and organizations adequate time to prepare and align their activities with the suggested cultural practices. They stressed that such proactive measures from the ICA Department would facilitate better preparation and adherence to the proposed guidelines.
The delegation expressed optimism that implementing these proposals would have a positive impact on local cultural practices. They believed that such measures would counter the corrupting influence of DJ culture, help the youth connect more deeply with their cultural heritage, and foster a healthier social environment. The delegation concluded by expressing their hope that the ICA Department would take their suggestions seriously and work towards promoting Bengali cultural heritage during the Sharodiya festival and other significant occasions.
