Folk fest ends on a high note

Day three of the Dhaka International Folk Fest (DIFF) looked like the perfect carnival with a huge dancing crowd feasting on ice-cream cones, spring rolls and enjoying the music in the most festive way.   

The last day of the three-day fest had the entire Army Stadium full to the brim with visitors who were eagerly anticipating the band Junoon's performance. With a tight security in and around the venue, the crowd danced and swayed with the rhythm of the music.

One noticeably good thing about the folk fest is how much the younger generation enjoys it; their willingness to blend into the folk culture is rather appreciable. With so many tragedies happening around us regularly, this music festival brought a dash of lively and positive vibes for its attendees.

Decked in colourful traditional attires, friends, couples and family members came to the venue to enjoy a good time amidst good music.

The Russian band Sattuma had the crowd go into a frenzy with their solid musical talent. Their performance was powerful and represented just what the folk fest is really about: good, comprehensible, traditional music. Unlike the other foreign bands of this year's folk fest, Sattuma was the crowd's favourite. They ended with a huge applaud from the audience.

The artist Chandana Majumdar surely knew how to get hundreds of listeners groove to her songs. She was absolutely gorgeous from start to finish with her performance.

Although not even remotely of a folk genre, the last performer sufi rock band Junoon, did not disappoint and succeeded in stealing the show's thunder with their old hits such as 'Sayonee'. They loved the eager mass who showered them with cheers and claps.

This year's DIFF ended on a high note, which gives us hope of a better festival next year.