Mail News Service
Jamshedpur: The state-level Bangiya Utsav 2026, organised with the objective of preserving and promoting Bengali language, literature and cultural heritage in Jharkhand, was celebrated with great splendour at Gopal Maidan in Bistupur on Sunday.
Beginning at 10 am, the day-long festival witnessed the participation of thousands of people from across all districts of the state, emerging as a vibrant symbol of Jharkhand’s rich cultural diversity. Throughout the day, Gopal Maidan remained vibrant with colours, music and enthusiasm, making Banga Utsav 2026 a memorable celebration of cultural unity and diversity in Jharkhand.
The festival was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by former Chief Minister and former Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy, Jugsalai MLA Mangal Kalindi, former MLA Kunal Sarangi, former minister Banna Gupta, chief patron Supriyo Bhattacharya, patron Amitabh Bakshi, NIT Jamshedpur Director Gautam Sutradhar, Tata Motors Workers’ Union President Shashi Bhushan Prasad, General Secretary R.K. Singh, Shridhar Maharaj of Tata Bharat Sevashram Sangh, Bengal Club President Tapas Mitra, and Brahmakumari Sanju Behen, among other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, the guests emphasised that Bengali language and culture form an integral part of Jharkhand’s social fabric and cultural harmony.
They noted that such festivals help the younger generation stay connected to their roots and lauded the efforts of the Bangiya Utsav Committee, calling for the event to be further expanded at the state level.
The cultural programmes were the highlight of the festival, captivating the audience throughout the day. The team from Sarkar Yoga Academy, led by Anshu Sarkar and Smiki Sarkar, presented an impressive yoga demonstration featuring asanas such as Tadasana, Naukasana and Pawanmuktasana. Spiritual music performances by Poopinki Ashram and Akhand Mandali, Chas, filled the atmosphere with devotion. Artists from Nataraj Sangeet Vidyalaya, Chaibasa, showcased traditional dance, while Mansi Music Dance Academy, Ghatshila, delivered a lively blend of music and dance.
Dance performances by Subrato Biswas, Anjan Rai Sangeet and Debanjali Rai Choudhury’s team received enthusiastic applause. The jugalbandi by renowned flautist Ashok Das and mouth organ artist Vikas Kumar Sheet was a special attraction.
Sajal Banerjee and his team from Ranchi enthralled the audience with Rabindra Sangeet, while Sur Sangam team from Malda, West Bengal, set the stage alive with Bengali folk music. The evening session culminated with a soulful performance by noted folk singer Arpita Chakravorty, leaving the audience mesmerised.
On the occasion, 25 associate organisations from Jharkhand were honoured for their contributions to social and cultural activities. Prominent among them were Bistupur Milanee Club, Sakchi Bengal Club, Telco Sabuj Kalyan Sangh, Gobindpur Durgabari, Sonari Tarun Sangh, and several Durga Puja committees from Kadma and Telco.
A special recitation of the Gita by children added a spiritual dimension to the programme. The event was attended by Banga Utsav Committee Chairman Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, President Anshu Sarkar, Executive President Aparna Guha, General Secretary Uttam Guha, Treasurer Amit Maiti, along with a large number of committee members and volunteers.
