Though Bangladesh is geographically small, the heritage of our folk songs runs deep. Each region of Bangladesh has its distinct tradition of folk songs. Bhatiali, bhawaia, gambhira, jaari, shari, maijbhandari, murshidee, marfati and songs of the bards Lalon, Hason Raja, Radha Raman, Ramesh Sheel and others resonate in every nook and corner of the country. These songs, with simple words and relatable metaphors, denote everyday joys and woes, passion and spirituality.

The first contestant to take the stage was Sheikh Naser Jamal from Barisal. Jamal started with a bhatiali song O mon majhirey lagao tori, followed by Dakar moto daktey parley (judges' choice). Mohammad Mozammel Haq from Rajshahi, a rickshaw puller by profession, sang Mon-er dukkho mon-e roilo and Aar kotokaal bhashbo ami, an Abdul Alim classic. Mozammel has been committed to folk and Nazrul songs since he was 18.

Tapan Kumar Mandol, a carpenter who lives in Dhaka, sang Amar jonom gelo bipholey and Ami jedin choley jabo. The participant has a powerful voice but he needs more practice with the microphone and control over vocals. Alif Laila Moushumi who also took part in the final of Nazrul songs category, rendered Pakhi amar gelo kon bon-e and Tomar lagia rey.

Syed Ashiqur Rahman performed a Radha Raman song Amarey bondhuar mon-e nai and a number popularised by Bari Siddiqui, Shoachan pakhi. Mahfuza Khatun Tania, an enlisted artiste of Rajshahi Betar, rendered Shey ki abar and Kalarey koirogo mana.

Khaleda Yasmin from Chittagong performed Amar shonar moina pakhi and Babui chengra rey. The contestant's steady control over the pace of two songs which are nothing alike and ability to emote were impressive. Another participant who stood out is Halima Parveen. An enlisted artiste of BTV and Betar in classical music category, Halima's impeccable rendition of Mon-er dukkho was moving.

Mohammad Rabiul Islam, a music teacher at Shafipur Ansar Academy, sang a Lalon song Kobey shadhur chorondhuli and Goleymaley pireet koiro na. Tulika Ghosh Chowdhury from Sunamganj sang Rai elo na Jamunatey and a Hason Raja song Hason Rajar mon-e.

Biman Chandra Biswas, a teacher at Chhayanat, rendered Ami Jarey bashi bhalo and a Lalon song Jaat gelo jaat gelo boley. The performance by Sheela Das from Feni was a treat. The aspiring crooner who sang two Lalon songs -- Dekhna mon jhank mari ei duniadari and Parey ke jabi Nabir noukatey aai -- sounded like a Farida Parveen in the making. The unmistakable lilt, the zeal -- Sheela had everything down to the last note.

The event wrapped up with Maruf Hasan's rendition of Por-er bedon ki porey janey.