Recitation and Music Tribute to Poet Abul Hasan Held in Toronto
Toronto witnessed a captivating evening of poetry and music dedicated to renowned poet Abul Hasan, organized by Onnoshor Toronto and OnnTheater Toronto. The event took place on Saturday, November 29, at the Toronto Film Forum Exhibition Center, celebrating Bengali literary culture in the diaspora.
Titled “Ekta Kichu Maratmok Ghotche Kothao”, the program was presented in two segments. In the first segment, reciters Munima Sharmin, Ilora Saeed, Manobi Mridha, Julia Nasrin, Faria Sharmin, and Ishtiak Mahmud performed some of Abul Hasan’s most popular poems. The performance was further enhanced by the song “Jugolsandhi”, sung by Mehzabin Binte Osman to the music of Sunny Zubair.
In the second segment, Sheikh Shahnawaz, a close associate of the poet, shared personal memories of Abul Hasan’s childhood, upbringing, and creative journey. Reciters Rifat Nurein, Fariha Rahman, Anisa Laki, Farzana Bebi, Dilara Nahar Babu, and Asif Chowdhury then presented additional poetry, mesmerizing the audience. The evening concluded with a performance by Ahmed Hossain, who combined his recitation with original compositions.
The event was hosted by Farzana Bebi, with technical support provided by Badruddoza Siddiqui and Faria Sharmin. The program was hailed as a unique and memorable tribute in Toronto’s Bengali cultural scene.
