Ferdausi Rahman receives Bhawaiya Award from the organisers at the Shawkat Usman Auditorium of the Central Public Library on Sunday. – New Age photo

Bhawaiya exponent Ferdausi Rahman was honoured with Bhawaiya Award at the day-long traditional Bhawayia music festival held on Sunday at the Shawkat Usman Auditorium of the Central Public Library.
The eminent singer was honoured by the Dhaka based folk music organisation Bhawaiya Angan as recognition for her contribution of popularising the regional songs of the North Bengal known as Bhawaiya.
Expressing her feelings, seasoned singer Ferdousi Rahman said, ‘I am really honoured and I want to continue singing Bhawaiya till my last breath.’
In response to the request of the audience, the ailing singer Ferdousi Rahmsan also presented a Bhawaiya song titled O moi na sonong prano kokila re with her soulful voice modulation. The houseful audience was moved by the power of the melody of the music genre.
It was the sixth edition of the festival organised marking the 7th founding anniversary of Bhawaiya Angan. Folk researcher-singer Mustafa Zaman Abbasi inaugurated the programme as chief guest.
In his speech, Abbasi emphasised on necessity for authentic documentation and research on the music genre, a rich treasure of the traditional music of the country.
Mustafa Zaman Abbasi presented popular Bhawaiya number Oki o bandhu kajal bhromra re.  
Moreover, artistes of Bhawaiya Angan including Shikha Moni, Salma Mostafiz, Ranajit Kumar Ray presented Bhawaiya songs respectively Aijkey koinner biya, O mor praner Debora re and O praner chilmari in stentorian voice.
 Monifa Mostafiz Mon’s presentation of Abodh kaaler swami and Rangpuira changra bandhure received much audience acclaims while Shafiul Alam Raja rendered Arey o baishakh ailo re marking the upcoming Pahela Baishakh.   
Arthi Rahman, Chandana Ray, Nur Mohammad presented respectively Baro mashe tero phul phutey, Tosha nodi uthal pathal korey and Rosher mailani in solos.
Earlier in the morning, Bhawaiya Angan artistes brought out a colourful procession in tradition attire and with musical instruments.