Ghonoghota: Dancing to the rhythm of the rain
Under Bokultola’s leafy canopy, over 110 first-time dancers—from students to doctors—celebrated monsoon’s magic with ‘Ghonoghota,’ blending Tagore’s verses, Bharatnatyam grace, and the promise to dance, rain or shine
Beneath the shade of a towering tree, the dancers swayed to the tune of 'Esho Shyamal Shundor.'
With their easy movements, wearing dresses of tones that matched the greenery around them, they seemed to become one with nature.
Yet, the colour of their alta-dyed feet stood out, with their anklets jingling to the tune.
On 8 August, over 110 first-time dancers, from different walks of life, came together at Bokultola, Charukala to celebrate monsoon with 'Ghonoghota'—an Arthy Ahmed Dance Academy production, directed by the internationally renowned dancer, Arthy Ahmed.
The production was described as a "celebration of resilience, rebirth, and raw expression." The classical dance performance integrated aspects from Bharatnatyam, and the student performers ranged from ages 18 to 70.
When the academy first began promotions and sent out invitations—they urged visitors to leave their umbrellas at home. If the unpredictable weather decided to shower the open-air performance with its monsoon rain, then so be it—everyone would dance in the rain. The motto of the performance was "bhijbo akshate" (Let's get drenched together.)
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The production featured 14 songs and poetries of poet Rabindra Tagore, such as 'Rimjhim Ghono Ghono' and 'Esho Shyamal Sundar'.
The production was inspired by Arthy Ahmed's love for the monsoon.
"I love the rain, and similarly, many people have that same love for Rabindranath's music. I wanted to bring these two together for a long time, and this event was the perfect opportunity.
She continued, "We were worried about the logistics, honestly. We were worried how many people would attend the event in the morning," shared Arthy.
The space around the stage was filled with people, smiling while watching the performance, and some singing to themselves as the music played.
Arthy shared how nowadays, in the rush of life, we don't get the opportunity to be close to nature, and enjoy the rain—which is why they decided to have the performance in an open-air stage, under the clouds, and welcoming the rain.
The beauty of the performance was, in fact, the performers. For many, it was their first time performing on the stage, and yet, they were able to pull off the performance effortlessly.
The dancers came from different backgrounds—journalists, engineers, doctors, homemakers and theatre artistes—they all came together to dance to their heart's content.
"After university, when we are caught up in the daily grind, we rarely get the chance to do something we love, let alone perform on a stage," shared Muskan Mortuza Mustarin, a journalist from Dhaka Tribune, who also took part in the performance.
She continues, "I have been dancing ever since I was in middle school, but I've always wanted to train in a particular classical dance form, and having the opportunity to do so after entering my 20s is amazing. The fact that men and women in their 50s and 60s are also getting to experience this because of Arthy apu is nothing short of incredible."
"Even though student performers aren't professionals, they worked really hard. They spent many late nights, prepared in the morning, and made it possible," shared Arthy.
At the event, Arthy emphasised that the whole objective of the performance wasn't perfection, rather the enjoyment of the performers and the audience.
Arthy Ahmed has been training beginner adult dancers Bharatnatyam dance since 2021, and so far, has already passed 600 adult students.
