BHIKHARI  THAKUR, SHAKESPEARE OF BHOJPURI, REMEMBERS WITH 56 OFFERINGS, CAKES AND FOLK SONGS

BHIKHARI  THAKUR, SHAKESPEARE OF BHOJPURI, REMEMBERS WITH 56 OFFERINGS, CAKES AND FOLK SONGS

21-DEC-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR--------------------------The birth anniversary of Bhikhari Thakur, an unparalleled practitioner of Bhojpuri folk culture and known as the "Shakespeare of Bhojpuri," was celebrated in Buxar this year in a completely different way. Under the auspices of the District Artists Association of Buxar (DAB), the auditorium of the local Red Cross building witnessed a confluence of folk art, literature, and honor.

The birth anniversary of Bhikhari Thakur, an unparalleled practitioner of Bhojpuri folk culture and known as the "Shakespeare of Bhojpuri," was celebrated in Buxar this year in a completely different way. Under the auspices of the District Artists Association of Buxar (DAB), the auditorium of the local Red Cross building witnessed a confluence of folk art, literature, and honor. The program began with the garlanding of an oil painting of Bhikhari Thakur and the lighting of lamps. The inauguration was jointly performed by renowned physician and litterateur Dr. Mahendra Prasad and senior litterateur Dr. Arun Mohan Bharvi. Following this, tributes were paid to the folk artist by offering 56 varieties of local delicacies and cutting a local cake. This scene was unique and emotional in itself.

-- Journey from Folk Art to Public Consciousness

On this occasion, speakers at a symposium on Bhikhari Thakur, the Revolutionary Vision, highlighted his personality and work as a tool for social change. Keynote speaker Dr. Arun Mohan Bharvi said that Bhikhari Thakur was not just an artist, but a pioneer of public awakening, who made the stage a mirror of society. Special guests Satyadev Prasad, Suresh Agarwal, Dr. Shravan Kumar Tiwari, Brijkishore Singh, and Dr. Shashank Shekhar also highlighted their social concerns. Presiding over the event, DAB President Suresh Sangam said that for the past 32 years, the organization has been working tirelessly to uplift artists and address their problems, and that its goal is to carry forward the legacy of Bhikhari Thakur.

Cultural performances enlivened the program. During the presentation of songs composed by Bhikhari Thakur, the entire auditorium was moved by the song of separation by renowned Bhojpuri singer-actor Gopal Rai. His voice, along with folk tunes, brought Bhikhari Thakur alive on stage.

On this occasion, several prominent figures were honored with mementos, turbans, and certificates for their outstanding contributions in the fields of journalism, literature, theatre, and social service. Those honored included Manoj Singh, Ram Ekbal Thakur, Ajay Kumar Mishra, Girdhari Agarwal, Ragini Jaiswal, Pradeep Jaiswal, and Omji Yadav. At the end of the program, speakers unanimously declared that Bhikhari Thakur's works, from "Bidesiya" to "Gabarghichor," continue to compel society to reflect. This is why he is not only a voice of the past, but also of the present and future.