Female jatra artistes struggle amid financial crisis

Female jatra artistes in Mymensingh are facing severe financial struggles as half of the peak season, from November to February, has already passed without receiving a single performance contract.

"We wait eagerly for this season to sustain our families throughout the year, but no opportunities have come our way yet. This is devastating for those of us who have been in this profession for years," said Rubina Sarker, proprietor of Joy Saajghar.

Rubina shared that six female artistes work with her, all of whom rely entirely on jatra performances for their livelihood. The current situation has pushed them into a deep crisis.

Shanti Akter, a 35-year-old artiste from Mymensingh city's Krishtapur area, recalled earning over Tk 250,000 last year from more than 60 contracts, which allowed her to support her family, including two school-going children. However, this year, she has not received any contracts, forcing her to borrow money to survive.

Similarly, 22-year-old Shanta Akter said while she managed over 70 contracts last year, she has yet to secure a single one this season.

Jui Akter Bithi, a 30-year-old mother of two, shared that in her 12-year career, she has never faced such a severe crisis. Many female artistes, including Parvin Akter, have resorted to working outside their profession to make ends meet.

Nizam Uddin Bhuiyan, president of the "Mymensingh Jatra-Natok Shilpi Bahumukhi Kallyan Samobay Samity" and proprietor of Nizam Saaj Ghar, said there are around 150 female artistes in the city who rely on jatra and theatre performances. However, their numbers have dwindled in recent years, particularly since the pandemic.

Additionally, around 100 instrument players, make-up artists, and costume makers who depend on jatra are also struggling. Many musicians have taken up rickshaw-pulling to survive, Nizam added.

Artistes noted that jatra once enjoyed widespread popularity, especially among rural communities, which helped them sustain a reasonable livelihood. However, interest in this traditional art form has declined over the years.

Ali Akbar Pathan, a veteran costume maker in the Mymensingh region, said the demand for historical play costumes has significantly decreased. He recalled a time when jatra was a highly cherished form of entertainment that provided good business to everyone involved.

Mohammad Rafiq, a cornet player, expressed hope for a revival of the art form.