Dhaka’s Charukola, transformed into a rain-kissed cultural stage on the morning of August 8th. Ghonoghota, was a dance production inspired by Rabindra Sangeet and monsoon, created by the Arthy Ahmed Dance Academy, was more than just a performance—it was an immersive celebration of the monsoon, nature and rhythm.
The open-air event brought together 110 dancers, aged 20 to 70, from diverse walks of life— homemakers, teachers, students, and consultants—all united by their shared passion for dance.
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A Dreamlike Monsoon Morning
A gentle rain painted the surroundings with lush greenery, and the breeze added an almost surreal ambiance. The sky was draped in dark, grey clouds- a perfect reflection of the theme of Ghonoghota. The rhythmic sound of ankle bells, the dancers’ graceful movements, and the soft murmur of nature set the stage for a mesmerizing tribute to the season of renewal.
As Arthy Ahmed, the internationally acclaimed choreographer and founder of the academy, said, “Ghonoghota is the dance of dark clouds filling the sky.”
Nature Meets Artistry
The music—timeless Tagore songs like Tomar Khola Hawa, Aji Jhoro Jhoro Mukhoro, and Pagla Hawar Badol Dine—weaved through the air, merging beautifully with the dancers’ elegant steps. The whole event felt like a perfect fusion of artistry and nature.
The soothing dress code, with males dressed in traditional Punjabi and females in sari in shades of white, blue, and green, was carefully chosen to blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature.
First Steps on Stage
What made Ghonoghota even more remarkable was that most of the dancers were adult beginners—many of them stepping onto a stage for the very first time. From teachers to consultants, homemakers to engineers, these performers carried with them not years of professional training but the courage to embrace something new.
Passion Without an Age Limit
The sight of men and women across generations dancing together was a reminder that passion has no timeline. In a world where people often set aside their creative dreams in the rush of adulthood, Ghonoghota offered a counter-narrative. It showed that whether you are 20 or 70, it is never too late to explore your love for the arts, to move with rhythm, and to find joy in expression.
Ghonoghota: More Than Just a Performance
The event was not only a showcase of dance but also a testament to Arthy Ahmed’s vision to bring people closer to nature through art. Arthy, a dancer and educator with a Master’s in Bharatanatyam and a Diploma in Dance Psychology, has dedicated herself to promoting ethical dance practices and advocating for age-appropriate choreography.
The performers’ joy made it clear that dance is more than a physical act— it’s a form of emotional expression and connection.
A Celebration to Remember
Ghonoghota wasn’t just a celebration of the monsoon, it was a revival of Dhaka‘s cultural heartbeat. The event was held from 11 AM to 1 PM, with the venue beautifully decorated that echoed the colors of nature—white, blue, and green. The backdrop of Charukola’s lush gardens and the light drizzle made it feel like a world apart from the usual hustle of city life. The event wasn’t just an artistic performance; it was an invitation for Dhaka’s urban dwellers to reconnect with nature.
Ghonoghota proved that nature, art, and the joy of human connection could come together to create something truly magical.
For more cultural journeys like Ghonoghota, curated by Arthy Ahmed, follow her work on:
- Or visit arthyahmed.com
