A festival in Bangla Academy celebrates the joy of ‘wellbeing’

Beyond the art camp and exhibition, the event features a marketplace showcasing products by women entrepreneurs, a vegan fest, mental health counselling booths, and yoga sessions

To highlight women's creativity, skills, capability, and courage, the "Festival of Wellbeing" has begun at Dhaka's Bangla Academy premises.

The two-day event includes an art exhibition by female artists, product displays by women entrepreneurs, and musical performances, among other attractions.

The festival was inaugurated on Friday morning by fashion designer and model Bibi Russell. Also present were psychiatrist Dr Helal Uddin Ahmed and several other dignitaries.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, Bibi said: "Most people I talk to say they are not doing well. It is essential for us to focus on our wellbeing. This festival is unique to me because it spreads the message of wellbeing. Despite challenges, we must strive to be happy."

Organisers say the “Festival of Wellbeing” is an annual initiative by Shantibari. This year, the festival is hosting its "Season 2" at the Bangla Academy.

Beyond the art camp and exhibition, the event includes a marketplace and product showcase featuring women entrepreneurs, with around 40 participants.

A vegan and vegetarian food exhibition is also part of the event, celebrated as the Vegan Fest.

Following the main festival inauguration, artist Hamiduzzaman Khan and sculptor Ivy Zaman opened the art camp and exhibition at Novera Gallery.

The exhibition features 35 paintings by female artists, and 10 female artists are participating in the art camp.

Hamiduzzaman told bdnews24.com, "I have toured the exhibition here and found some excellent artworks. I really liked it. Although this is not a very well-known gallery, it is hosting a beautiful exhibition. I am impressed."

Kishowar Zabin, co-founder of Shantibari, said to bdnews24.com: "Shantibari primarily focuses on women. Together, we aim to promote well-being, which is why we have organised the Festival of Wellbeing.

“Through this event, we are putting a strong emphasis on women's mental health and advocating for the protection of their legal rights."

Organisers shared that three booths at the festival are being run under the supervision of Shantibari's psychologists, lawyers, and nutritionists. These booths will remain open from morning to evening, offering free mental health assessments and counselling, legal advice, and dietary guidance.

In addition, visitors can get henna designs at the henna art booth.

The festival also features a special yoga session led by yoga instructor Tas Rahman and a music healing session conducted by sound healing master Paravadruti (Deepti Arani).

Psychiatrist Helal is hosting a dedicated mental health session on emotional intelligence.

Guru Priya Baul from Santiniketan will perform on the open stage, accompanied by a musical session featuring Bangla songs by the popular youth band Sarbanaam.

Sharmin Shams, executive director of Shantibari, said: "This vibrant two-day event is entirely centred on women, celebrating their creativity, skills, capability, and courage.

"The Festival of Wellbeing is about learning to celebrate life. Through this festival, we aim to create a joyful and colourful atmosphere for women, where they can learn to take care of themselves, live anew with happiness, understand their rights, and stand on their own feet."

The closing ceremony will take place at 4pm on Saturday in the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium at Bangla Academy. The event will feature a special talk by scientist and feminist activist Dr Monirul Islam.

Renowned actress Dilara Zaman will share stories from her life, followed by a special panel discussion on the topic: ‘Friends of Women vs Women’s Struggles.’

The panel discussion, moderated by Zakia Sultana, will include participants such as Mahmudha Parveen, a teacher from Kabi Nazrul Government College; Mahmudul Haque Suman, a teacher from Jahangirnagar University; and actress Runa Khan.

On the final day, there will be a screening of the film Ajob Karkhana, directed by female filmmaker Shabnam Ferdousi and starring Parambrata Chattopadhyay.

The closing ceremony will also honour an outstanding woman with the Shantibari Shantimoyi Award. This year, the 2025 Shantimoyi Award will be presented to distinguished footballer and athlete Rehana Parvin.

Shantibari will also recognise one of the participating entrepreneurs with a special award for excellence.