The National Art Gallery Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka came alive with an evening of refined cultural expression, as artistes from different generations came together to celebrate the richness and diversity of music. The program featured an engaging array of performances, including tabla, khol, violin, esraj, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, Bengali songs and Hindustani classical music.

Organised by Chhandakala Shuddha Sangskritik Charcha Kendra, the event was held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 4pm. Renowned musicians, teachers and emerging artistes from across the country took part in the program, creating a memorable cultural experience through a harmonious blend of classical and Bengali musical traditions.

 One of the principal attractions of the program was a captivating khayal duet by eminent classical vocalist and guru Saiful Taankar and his disciple Rathin Tikader. Their joint presentation brought together the depth of raga-based classical music with a profound sense of spirituality and aesthetic refinement.

The performance was particularly significant for the way it brought the timeless guru–shishya parampara the revered tradition of learning through the close bond between teacher and disciple to life on stage. The presence of an experienced guru alongside his disciple served as a powerful reminder of the importance of this living tradition in nurturing new generations of musicians and ensuring the continuity of disciplined classical music practice.

Saiful Taankar and Rathin Tikader took the audience into a different musical realm with their vibrant yet meditative presentation. They began with the vilambit composition “O Balma Kab Ghar Aaoge” set to Rupak taal. This was followed by a remarkable composition of Pandit Arun Bhaduri, “Kar Le Bichar Gun Avgunana Ko,” presented in Teentaal. The performance was ornamented  by renowned harmonium accompanist Md. Shakur, the promising young tabla artist Kumar Protibimbo was on Tabla, while Kabita Moni and Bithi was on the tanpura. Their sensitive and expressive rendition won the hearts of the audience gathered at the Shilpakala Academy. 

 For more than two decades, Saiful Taankar has remained deeply involved in the practice, performance and teaching of Hindustani classical music. He currently serves as a Lecturer in Classical Music at the Government Music College in Agargaon, Dhaka. Shaped by years of rigorous riyaz and training under a rich and diverse guru tradition, his musical journey represents a quiet yet significant chapter in the development and continued practice of classical music in Bangladesh.

 Speaking about the event, Md Rashedul Hasan Jibon, Founder Director of Chhandakala, said: “Every year, on the occasion of Guru Purnima, Chhandakala organizes this gathering celebrating the sacred bond between guru and disciple. The meditative performance by Saiful Taankar and Rathin Tikader emerged in this auditorium as a vivid expression of the mesmerizing power of classical music.”

The chief guest at the program was Professor Nadia Soma Samad, Principal of the Government Music College. Special guests included Professor Anika Raisa Chowdhury, Vice-Principal of the Government Music College, Dr Sheikh Khalid Hasan, Assistant Professor of the Department of Folk Music; and Ripon Kumar Biswas, Chartered Accountant and Income Tax Lawyer.

 The participation of artistes representing different generations, together with the creative union of guru and disciple, offered a meaningful reflection on the enduring value of disciplined and authentic musical practice. From the intricate rhythms of classical music to the lyrical beauty of Bengali songs, the National Art Gallery Auditorium was transformed into a vibrant meeting ground for music, tradition and artistic expression.