The "Re-love-ution" or "Premandolon" festival began on September 15 at Jatra Biroti in Banani, celebrating love and revolutionary art. The event, which runs until September 28, is a platform for artistic expression and dialogue about building a better Bangladesh.
Anusheh Anadil, a musician, activist, and founder of Jatra Biroti, spoke at the opening, emphasizing the need for time and patience in achieving true change. "We are independent, but have we truly achieved victory?" Anadil questioned, urging for open conversations about freedom and reform.
The inaugural session featured a discussion led by Jonogon, an online platform focused on human rights. Co-founder Naseef Fatemi addressed the need for a system that allows public demands to be voiced without disrupting daily life. He posed questions about the methods of achieving reforms, sparking a lively conversation among attendees. Participants shared their hopes, including desires for peace, safety, and freedom from harassment.
The festival also included a musical performance by Kaaktaal, which featured guitar and flute, and a sing-along with their song "Abar Dekha Holey."
Over the next two weeks, the festival will host various activities. Day two focuses on "Street and Art," with workshops on graffiti, calligraphy, and a hip-hop performance by Anonymous Crew. Other themes include Indigenous lifestyles, animal rights, wellness, and environmental issues. Highlights include open mics, origami workshops, a fashion show with upcycled clothing, and concerts by bands like Shonar Bangla Circus and Shohojia.
Tickets for some workshops and concerts are available for purchase. On September 19, all submitted artworks will be exhibited, and an interactive discussion with anti-discrimination student movement organizers will take place on September 27.
Imtenaan Mohammad Jaquie, CEO of Jatra, emphasized that the festival celebrates all forms of creative expression, from traditional art to modern performances, aiming to inspire and raise awareness.
