Proshanto Kumar Shagor: An unyielding guardian of Jatra

Proshanto Kumar Shagor is a revered figure in the world of Jatra, his name synonymous with dedication and artistry in Bangladesh's traditional performance circles. His journey began in 1982, fueled by a deep passion for this age-old art form. 

Over the years, he not only established himself as a prominent performer but also took on the demanding role of organising Jatra performances in Khulna. However, his relentless commitment has not been without sacrifice—decades of challenges have left him physically and emotionally drained.

For the first 20 years of his career, Shagor's earnings from Jatra were enough to sustain a comfortable life. But in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic brought the Jatra industry to an abrupt standstill, leaving him with no source of income. 

Forced to adapt, he opened a small grocery shop near Khulna University—a humble venture that continues to serve as a lifeline and a popular spot for students in the area.

One quiet evening, standing outside his shop, Shagor revisited his Jatra days with nostalgia in a conversation with TBS.

"I've had to find another way to survive," he admitted. "Many others are worse off, driving rickshaws or working as labourers. Yet, we all remain connected to Jatra—it's in our hearts."

Despite its decline in most parts of the country, Jatra has managed to survive in Khulna, though not without significant challenges. Many artistes, whose families have upheld the tradition for generations, have been forced to abandon the profession and turn to other means of livelihood.

"Jatra is one of Bangladesh's oldest cultural legacies," remarked Shagor. "Sadly, its reputation has been tarnished by some, and we are now paying the price. The social respect once enjoyed by Jatra artistes has undoubtedly diminished."

The shift began when indecent and vulgar performances crept into Jatra, alienating the family-friendly audiences that had long been its backbone. In response, authorities tightened regulations on Jatra shows, further eroding its appeal. As the essence of Jatra faded, even its most loyal supporters began to drift away.

"There was a time when entire families—mothers, brothers, sisters—would sit together to enjoy Jatra. But when vulgar dances became part of the performances, it marked the beginning of the end. From that point onward, the administration started granting fewer permissions for shows, accelerating the downfall of this cherished art form," recounted Shagor.

After the July Revolution, government-sponsored Jatra performances were organised in rural areas like Barguna and the outskirts of Khulna. These events attracted impressive crowds, reigniting hope and motivating several disbanded troupes to regroup. 

When asked if sustained government support could restore Jatra's nationwide popularity, Shagor expressed optimism— "The current initiatives for Jatra are promising. If they continue, I believe Jatra can reclaim its former glory."

Under the previous government, efforts were made to formalise Jatra troupes through a registration process. However, many troupes remain unregistered and are unable to secure administrative permissions for performances. 

The cumbersome registration process poses significant challenges, and Shagor warned that without simplification, both the art form and its artistes risk falling into disarray.

"Registering with the government offers substantial advantages for Jatra troupes, particularly when it comes to staging performances," explained Shagor. 

"Without registration, we're left with no choice but to perform under the banners of already registered groups, as we had to during a recent festival in Khulna. Simplifying the registration process and including more troupes in the system would significantly support and uplift the art form."

The rise of platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and satellite television has shifted audiences toward modern, tech-driven entertainment, reducing Jatra's appeal. However, Shagor and other artistes see technology as an opportunity to rejuvenate the art form. 

Shagor emphasised, "To engage the younger generation, Jatra must be regularly featured on social media. This would not only introduce them to our rich cultural heritage but also make it enjoyable for them. I frequently discuss this with artistes and organisers from Khulna and occasionally upload performance videos to Facebook."

In Khulna, Jatra still garners strong support, with performances drawing large, enthusiastic audiences. Yet, Shagor highlighted the lack of institutional backing. 

"Khulna has the highest number of Jatra artistes, organisers, and fans in the country," he noted. "The environment is ideal for Jatra to flourish, but without adequate sponsorship and support, professional artistes like us are struggling to survive."