Voices of a District, in Poetry: Reciters and Poets Gather in Balurghat

• Poetry in Motion

Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat

In an effort to bring together poets and recitation artists from across the district, the literary group Dakshin Dinajpur-er Kolom organized a special poetry recitation festival titled “Jelar Konthe Jelar Kobita” (Poetry of the District in the Voices of the District).The event, held in Balurghat, carried a sense of cultural pride and community engagement, highlighting the district’s literary talent and creative collaboration between poets and performers.

The program began with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a condolence resolution and a minute of silence. After a formal reception and felicitation of guests, the ceremony was officially inaugurated with the lighting of a lamp by Dr. Monideepa Biswas Kirtaniya, Bangaratna Tapas Kumar Chakraborty, Professor Ripon Sarkar, recitation artist Subir Chowdhury, and Sanjay Mahato, editor of Dakshin Dinajpur-er Kolom.

Competitions were organized in four categories — junior children, children, adolescents, and open — where participants recited poems written by poets from the district. More than a hundred recitation artists performed, their voices echoing with over a hundred poems rooted in the local culture and identity. Guests, in brief remarks, spoke about the importance of such initiatives in nurturing literary appreciation and artistic expression.

The event was skillfully hosted by environmentalist, social worker and teacher Tuhin Shubhra Mondal, who also oversees the Kathak Anchoring and Recitation Training Center.Speaking about the festival, Sanjay Mahat said that “Jelar Konthe Jelar Kobita” is intended to serve as a formal platform connecting poets and recitation artists of the district, encouraging continuous literary practice and strengthening bonds between writers and performers.

The program concluded with the announcement of results and the presentation of mementos and certificates to the winners. In addition, books by district writers and editors were awarded as prizes. Promoting the idea of “Beautiful Environment, Beautiful Life,” each winning recitation artist was also gifted a rose sapling.Organizers said they plan to continue expanding such initiatives in the future to further promote literature and the art of recitation across the district.