Chhayanat a cultural organisation founded in 1961 in Dhaka to nurture the cultural and musical heritage of Bengal. In 1961, after the celebration of the birth centennial of rabindranath tagore, a group of cultural activists, including Mokhlesur Rahman (Sidhu Bhai), Shamsunnahar Rahman (Rose Bu), Ahmedur Rahman (Vimrul of the ittefaq), Mizanur Rahman (Sana), Saifuddin Ahmed (Manik), begum sufia kamal, Saidul Hasan, Farida Hasan, and Wahidul Haq, felt the necessity of establishing a new and progressive cultural organisation. Chhayanat is the outcome of their initiative. Sufia Kamal was the founder president of the organisation and Farida Hasan, secretary. Mrs Mohiuddin, Saifuddin Ahmed, Mokhlesur Rahman, Ahmedur Rahman, Wahidul Haq, Sanjida Khatun, Kamal Lohani were members. Subsequently, Kamal Lohani, Zahedul Karim, Saifudaula and Iffat Ara Khan acted as secretary.

Chhayanat's first public function, Purano Ganer Asar (Programme of old songs), was held at Dhaka under the direction of abdul ahad. Chhayanat Sangit Vidyayatan was established on pahela baishakh, the first day of the Bangla year, 1963. Next year, at the initiative of Sanjida Khatun, Pahela Baisakh was celebrated enthusiastically with a concert under the banyan tree in Ramna Park. Subsequently, Pahela Baisakh celebrations have become an annual programme of Chhayanat. The birth anniversaries of Rabindranath Tagore and kazi nazrul islam, seasonal festivals such as Pahela Falgun (Spring Festival), Barsa Baran (Welcoming the Rains), Sharadiya Utsab (Autumn Festival) are important events in the Chhayanat calendar. Efforts are made to include a wide-ranging variety of songs by Nazrul Islam on his birth anniversary: Jagarani Gan (songs for awakening), shyamasangit, songs of devotion, songs of inspiration, ghazal, classical songs, etc.

Chhayanat has faced various obstacles from the government. Frequently it has had to shift its school, Chhayanat Sangit Vidyayatan, from one place to another. At various times it was located in Azimpur Agrani Girls' High School, bangla academy, Kalabagan, Dhaka University Laboratory School and Dhanmondi. At present it has its own building at Mohammadpur. Officials from the Department of Public Instruction used to visit the school and audit its accounts, though Chhayanat has never accepted any financial assistance from the government.

Chhayanat has assumed the character of a music school although, at its inception, its members had broader aims. At present, courses are offered in singing, dance, and instrumental music. The projection of the rich culture of Bangladesh has been possible largely through the endeavours of Chhayanat over the past four decades. [Mohammad Abdul Hye]