Musical Instruments
Bangladesh has a good number of musical instruments originally of her
own. Originally country musical instruments include, Banshi (bamboo flute), Dhole (wooden drums), Ektara (a single stringed
instrument), Dotara (a four stringed instrument), Mandira (a pair of metal bawls used as rhythm instrument), Khanjani, Sharinda
etc. Now-a-days western instruments such as Guitar, Drums, Saxophone, Synthesizer etc. are being used alongside country instruments.
Drama & Jatra
Drama in Bangladesh has an old tradition and is very popular. In Dhaka more than a dozen theater
groups have been regularly staging locally written plays as well as those adopted from famous writers, mainly of European
origin. Popular theatre groups are Dhaka Theatre, Nagarik Nattya Sampraday and Theatre. In Dhaka, Baily Road area is known
as 'Natak Para' where drama shows are regularly held. Public Library Auditorium and Museum Auditorium are famous for holding
cultural shows. Dhaka University area is a pivotal part of cultural activities.
Jatra(Folk Drama) is another vital chapter of Bangalee culture. It depicts mythological episodes of
love and tragedy. Legendary plays of heroism are also popular, particularly in the rural areas. In near past jatra was the
biggest entertainment means for the rural Bangalees and in that sense for 80% of the population since the same percentage
of the population lived in rural Bangladesh. Now-a-days jatra has been placed in the back seat in the entertainment era. Gradually
western culture is occupying the place of traditional culture like jatra.
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