Six Bengali associations in Patna have for the first time joined hands to organise a five-day programme in the state capital to commemorate Rabindranath Tagore’s 151st birth anniversary from May 8.

Members of Bengalee Asssociation, Bihar, Bihar Bangla Academy, Bihar Art Theatre, Geetanjali, Rabichintan and Sanchari have started preparing for the function a few weeks ago.

“The programme would be held at Kalidas Rangalaya and each evening there would be a cultural programme. All of us are excited about the programme as this is our first joint venture,” said Gautam Chakraborty, an executive committee member of the Bengalee Association, Bihar.

“The groups organised cultural programmes separately to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the Nobel laureate. The six groups, while finalising the programmes for the upcoming five-day event, never had any differences of opinion. We are committed to making the programme successful,” he added.

Ajit Ganguli, the additional secretary of Bihar Art Theatre, said the joint venture would open up new possibilities. “We hope to come across many local talents during the coming event,” he said.

Chakraborty said the five-day programme would be dedicated to Tagore.