Harmony of Healing: Instruments of music, resilience and serenity
The exhibition combines a display of exquisite handcrafted instruments and an array of creative and interactive workshops scheduled throughout its duration
A room filled with musical instruments, yet what sets them apart from any other musical showcase? These are locally crafted masterpieces, made with the finest materials and imbued with character. Each instrument carries a unique name and a story, as told by the artisans who brought it to life.
The exhibition of instruments, 'Harmony of Healing: Symphony for the Soul' by Obokolpo's founder, Mohammad Jakir Hossain, offers more than just a showcase of exquisitely crafted instruments.
It features interactive workshops to teach people how to play them, live painting sessions, original folk performances, dance showcases, and heartfelt tributes to legendary folk artistes—all under one roof.
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The exhibition is open for all at Alliance Française de Dhaka and is set to run till 29 November, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, offering visitors a variety of engaging activities to explore.
Transformed into a vibrant artistes' hub, Harmony of Healing aims to provide a serene escape for the people of Dhaka, and the ambience does so successfully. However, these beautiful instruments were inspired by grief.
"Jakir and I have both experienced the loss of loved ones to suicide. These individuals were vibrant and often the life of the party. When someone like that chooses to end their life, it leaves you questioning what might have gone wrong," shared Lucy Tripti Gomes, curator of the exhibition.
In light of these tragedies, Gomes emphasises the importance of nurturing the mind.
"When our body falls ill, we seek treatment. But when our peace of mind is suffering, we often ignore it, hoping it will pass until it's too late," she said.
In an attempt to nurture the mind after going through such a hard loss, he turned to music.
"The instruments I explore continually lift me from despair, guiding me toward calmness and self-realisation," shared Jakir in a statement.
He continues, "They filter my thoughts, much like stones purify water. These instruments harmonise with mindful resonance through dedicated practice, reflecting the experimental transformation of materials."
Some of the instruments have been given striking names such as 'Padma Raag—the Crowned Prince', 'Kakatua—the Princess of Conventions', 'Abable—the Trans Traveler', 'Ghotok—the Matchmaker', and 'Lahori—the Deep Diver'. These names are not direct translations of their Bangla counterparts but rather encapsulate the personality and story that each instrument symbolises.
Among the room full of instruments, 'Padma Raag' took the crown. Its details in the headstock are reflective of the amount of detail that went into the craftsmanship, as it depicts the form of a king.
The whole journey began with one or two instruments, which sparked the idea in Gomes to display them at an exhibition–as they were equal parts art and vessels for music.
The idea had driven Jakir to soldier on with his craft, resulting in the gallery full of instruments. He experimented with the design and wood until each final product came to life.
Gomes feels like the exhibition will also help the new generation connect with their culture.
"They should hold an ektara for a change, learn their names, and listen to folk music. That's why we're hosting workshops—to teach them how to play these instruments."
Lucy also emphasised the importance of resilience, saying, "Agony and despair will always be a part of life, but it is our responsibility to prioritise our mental well-being and keep moving forward."
The opening day of the exhibition concluded on a perfect note with live folk music performed by Jakir's team. As the evening deepened and the chilly air settled in, the soulful tunes of the ektara and the singer's husky vocals provided a serene escape from the day's chaos.
