Banker by day, Jatra artiste by night: Meet the professionals redefining Jatra in Khulna
In Khulna, a diverse group of professionals—teachers, bankers, engineers, and businessmen—are revitalising the traditional art of Jatra, blending their day jobs with nighttime performances to inspire a new generation and keep the cultural legacy alive
Jatra, the traditional Bangali art form, has long been surrounded by stereotypes about its performers. However, a group of professionals in Khulna—teachers, bankers, engineers, and businessmen—are rewriting this narrative.
By day, they excel in their respective fields, and by night, they transform into Jatra artistes, captivating audiences during winter. This unique dynamic has sparked new interest in Jatra, especially among younger generations, in a region where the art form continues to thrive despite a nationwide decline.
Among these performers is Basudeb Biswas, an assistant engineer at the Khulna Development Authority. Coming from a family steeped in cultural traditions—his father was also once a Jatra artiste—Basudeb's passion for Jatra began in his childhood. Though he performed sporadically during his student years, it wasn't until 2015 that he embraced the stage as a professional.
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"Balancing this with my job is challenging," Basudeb admits, "but the mental satisfaction I get from performing makes it worth it," said Biswas.
Hiron Chandra Mallick, an assistant teacher at Kuluti Secondary School in Dumuria, has been acting in Jatra since 1979. In addition to his teaching career, Hiron directs a theatre group in Khulna called 'Shur Jhongkar'.
His dual roles as a teacher and as a Jatra artiste enable him to involve his students in performances, fostering creativity and appreciation for the art form. "Even in schools, students now participate enthusiastically in Jatra performances," he shares.
Dipankar Mondol, a private tutor known for his expertise in physics, found his way to Jatra after completing his studies in Khulna. While tutoring occupies his days, his evenings are often spent on stage.
"I've been performing professionally since 2016," said Dipankar. "There's a certain addiction to Jatra—it drives me to travel long distances and perform late into the night. It's my way of feeding my soul."
Arbind Kumar Mandal, a senior principal officer at Janata Bank in Khulna, balances his financial career with his passion for the arts. Since 2016, he has been a dedicated Jatra artiste during the winter months.
"In the Khulna-Jessore region, there's a strong audience for Jatra still to this day," he noted. "Every week, I perform at least one show. It's my way of giving back, entertaining people while keeping this tradition alive."
This art form is neglected now, with no government support. While audiences appreciate us, survival is difficult for low-income artistes like me. Yet, I can't let go—it's my passion.
Biswajit Roy, the director of 'Modern Diagnostic Center', rekindled his interest in acting in 2015 after a hiatus since his student days. Despite his demanding business schedule, Biswajit has performed in over ten plays this season alone, with more lined up in the coming months. "It's tough to juggle business and Jatra, but the mental fulfillment makes it all worthwhile," he explained.
For M A Latif, an easy-bike driver in Khulna, Jatra has been a lifelong commitment. Despite limited education and a modest income, Latif has spent 30 years dedicating his evenings to rehearsals and performances.
"This art form is neglected now, with no government support," he said. "While audiences appreciate us, survival is difficult for low-income artistes like me. Yet, I can't let go—it's my passion."
The dedication of these professionals has inspired younger generations in Khulna to take an interest in Jatra. Parents are now warming up to the idea of viewing Jatra as a valuable extracurricular activity, encouraging their children to learn the craft. As a result, Khulna remains a burning example of Jatra culture in Bangladesh.
According to Pradip Kirtaniya, a renowned Jatra organiser and senior vice-president of the Khulna's Jatra Development Council chapter, the participation of respected professionals has transformed public perceptions of the art form. "Seeing engineers, bankers, and teachers on stage has strengthened the belief that Jatra is a clean and respectable medium of entertainment," he says.
In Khulna, the night comes alive with stories, emotions, and performances that keep this timeless tradition alive, one stage at a time.
