Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 21st June 2026, 6:59 PM
Music holds a continuous presence in the lives of music lovers, with no fixed time or day for enjoyment, accompanying them throughout the year. However, to celebrate, honour, and express collective appreciation for music, a dedicated global observance exists: World Music Day, held annually on 21 June.
Across the world, including Bangladesh, the day is marked with a wide range of cultural programmes. These include open-air concerts, street processions, and free musical performances in public spaces. The core objective of the day is to promote peace, harmony, and positive thinking through music, fostering social unity through artistic expression.
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The modern celebration of World Music Day traces its origins to France. In 1982, the festival known as “Fête de la Musique” or “Make Music Day” was first officially introduced. The initiative was first conceptualised in 1981 by Jack Lang, then France’s Minister of Culture.
However, earlier developments are also associated with the idea. In 1976, American musician Joel Cohen proposed the concept of celebrating the summer solstice with continuous overnight music performances. This idea later contributed to the establishment of the 21 June music celebration.
Today, World Music Day is observed in approximately 120 countries and 450 cities worldwide, including Argentina, Australia, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, and Costa Rica. On this day, musicians perform freely in public spaces such as parks, restaurants, streets, and transport systems, making music accessible to all.
France played a central role in formalising the concept. Jack Lang, along with Maurice Fleuret, worked to transform traditional musical practices in the country. In 1982, a large-scale cultural survey was conducted, revealing extensive musical participation among young people. It was found that nearly one in every two young people in France could play a musical instrument.
The initiative encouraged young musicians not only to learn classical music but also modern genres such as rock, jazz, and pop. With the combined efforts of Jack Lang, engineer Christian Dupavillon, and Maurice Fleuret, the movement was successfully established as a national cultural celebration.
In Bangladesh, World Music Day is being observed through a two-day programme organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in cooperation with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The celebration includes concerts, processions, and orchestral performances featuring both senior and emerging artists. According to a press release, the festival highlights global musical traditions while promoting cultural unity.
The main programme is held at the National Theatre Hall, with evening sessions featuring guest attendance from government ministers. The opening day includes performances by renowned Bangladeshi artists alongside invited performers from China and Japan.
Additionally, the Bangladesh Sangeet Sangathan Samanvay Parishad is organising separate events at the Central Kochi-Kachar Mela auditorium in Segunbagicha. The programme includes flag hoisting, national anthem performances, discussions, and cultural shows. The second day continues with further discussions and musical performances by affiliated organisations.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Global observance date | 21 June |
| Origin country | France |
| First formal launch | 1982 (“Fête de la Musique”) |
| Early concept contributor | Joel Cohen (1976) |
| Countries observing | Around 120 |
| Cities participating | Around 450 |
| Main objective | Promote peace and unity through music |
On the occasion of World Music Day, a special television programme titled Songs of Bengal: Pranobondher Sone is scheduled to air at 8:30 pm on Maasranga Television. The programme highlights the music and philosophy of mystic poet and songwriter Hason Raja, presenting his works to a new generation.
The programme is curated and directed musically by popular artist Shayan Chowdhury Arnob. It presents Hason Raja’s songs in a renewed arrangement, combining music, storytelling, and artistic interpretation to highlight his philosophical and cultural legacy. The production is jointly organised by MW Magazine Bangladesh and the natural wellness brand Maya of Square Toiletries Limited.
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