Boithoki Adda 2025 – An Evening of Art, Dialogue, and Living Legacy

On Sunday, 7th September 2025, Eastwood Park Theatre in Giffnock became the setting for a truly remarkable cultural evening as Bengali Performing Arts Glasgow presented Boithoki Adda. Carefully organised by our dedicated internal community members, the event reflected months of planning, passion, and commitment to artistic excellence.

At the centre of the evening was a heartfelt celebration of the legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the National Poet of Bangladesh. Through the powerful and evocative voice of Manomay Bhattacharya, Nazrul’s music resonated across the theatre, drawing the audience into its depth and emotion. Over 100 members of the community attended, filling the hall with warmth, anticipation, and admiration.

We were deeply honoured to be joined by a distinguished guest — Mr. Abu Saleh Md. Musa, Second Secretary & Head of Chancery at the High Commission of Bangladesh. Sir, we are truly grateful for your presence and for joining us in paying tribute to one of the most iconic cultural voices of Bangladesh. Your attendance made the evening even more meaningful for all of us.

Among the audience was Dr. Sarwar Hussain, a respected former executive committee member and long-standing pillar of our community. Seated in the front row, he was visibly captivated by the depth and quality of Manomay’s singing — a reflection of the response shared by many that evening. The feedback from senior members of the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the programme as one of the finest cultural evenings Glasgow — and perhaps the west of Scotland — has experienced in recent memory.

This year, BPA introduced something truly innovative. Alongside poetry, music, and dance, we incorporated live painting. As Manomay sang Nazrul’s compositions, a Scottish painter interpreted the music on canvas in real time. The fusion of melody and visual art created a powerful and unique artistic dialogue — tradition meeting contemporary expression in a single shared moment.

True to the spirit of a Boithoki Adda, the evening was not just about performance but conversation. There were engaging discussions about Nazrul’s writings, the philosophy behind his compositions, the structure of his music, and the emotional weight of his lyrics. It was reflective, interactive, and intellectually enriching — exactly the atmosphere BPA strives to cultivate.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this year’s event was the opportunity given to our own community members. The day before the programme, aspiring and amateur singers gathered at our Secretary’s home to learn two Nazrul songs. Guided and prepared with dedication, they later stood on stage and performed live alongside Manomay Bhattacharya. For many, it was an extraordinary experience — learning directly from a celebrated artist and sharing the stage before a live audience. This initiative truly embodies BPA’s mission: creating platforms where talent is nurtured and confidence is built.

Boithoki Adda 2025 was not simply a cultural programme — it was a statement of artistic ambition and community strength. It showcased what is possible when heritage is honoured with quality, creativity, and collaboration.

We extend our sincere gratitude to The National Lottery Community Fund and The Robertson Trust for their continued support. Without their funding, delivering events of this scale and artistic standard would not be possible. Their support allows us to bring high-quality cultural experiences to our community and to make them accessible to all.

It was a memorable evening of its kind — one that will be remembered not just for its performances, but for the spirit of togetherness and excellence it embodied. And BPA is immensely proud to have created it.