Dilip Guha :: New Delhi : Recently, the Information and Cultural Department, West Bengal Government, in association with the West Bengal Information and Cultural Centre, New Delhi, organized the three-day Bengali Music Festival, “Bangla Sangeet Utsav,” at the Muktadhara Auditorium, Banga Sanskriti Bhavan, New Delhi.
The festival began with “Barshoboron,” a spellbinding dance recital by the Delhi-based Shinjan Dance Academy, welcoming the Bengali New Year. The group, led by Bharatnatyam dancer Smita Chakraborty, presented an artistic tribute to Bengal’s cultural heritage, blending traditional dances with vibrant costumes. Their repertoire celebrated the works of Rabindranath Tagore, Hemanta Mukherjee, and Bengali folk traditions, inspiring both joy and pride in the audience.
The opening day also featured performances by Souro-O-Bondhura, who fused Bengali folk with contemporary sounds, and powerful individual acts by Saurasanta, Somdutta Chowdhury, and Subhashish. Their energetic and emotional performances captivated the audience, earning standing ovations.
The festival was a cultural homage to Bengal’s artistic legacy, with planned performances over the next two days by artists like Arito Dasgupta, Trisha Parui, Surajit Chatterjee, Aitijhya Roy, and Jojo Mukherjee.
On the event’s second day, popular and renowned singers Arito Dasgupta, Trisha Parui, and Surajit Chatterjee performed in a packed audience of music lovers in Delhi.
The Bangla Sangeet Utsav was elevated to new artistic heights with the heartfelt solo recitals performed by the talented Arito Dasgupta. A finalist at Zee Bangla Saregamapa Gane Gane Tomar Mone 2014 and a contributor to music in Bengali serials, Dasgupta demonstrated his profound command over Bengali melodies, leaving the audience spellbound with his nuanced expressions.
His repertoire for the evening honored the timeless classics of Bengali music legends. Among the highlights was Manna Dey’s iconic “Ami Je Jolsha Ghore Beloari Jhar,” alongside his soulful “Ke Tumi Tandra harani,” which reverberated with emotional depth. The audience was carried further into the nostalgia of Bengali music history with Mambndra’s “Dole Dodul Dole Jholona” and Nachiketa’s moving “Se Prothom Prem Amar Nilanjana,” reminding everyone of the eternal connection between music and memory.
Dasgupta’s performance also brought a touch of playful charm through Kishore Kumar’s comedic gem, “Hemanta’s composed Singh Nei Tobu Nam Tar Singho.” And a few other compositions of different genres
Adding another layer of devotion to Bengali heritage, Dasgupta delivered a spirited rendition of the iconic “Ami Bangla Gaan Gai,” which struck a deeply emotional chord with the audience. The evening resonated with a blend of tradition, emotion, and undeniable charm, cementing Arito Dasgupta’s place as a luminary in the realm of Bengali music. It was a celebration not just of songs but of cultural legacy, a truly unforgettable ode to Bangla Sangeet.
The Sangeet Utsav featured a magnificent performance by Trisha Parui, a professional singer, performer, and voice trainer who was the runner-up of Zee Bangla Saregamapa Gane Gane Tomar Mone 2007. Trisha’s versatility and artistry shone brightly throughout the evening, as she brought to life a carefully curated selection of Bengali music treasures.
Among her captivating renditions were Lata Mangeshkar’s soulful “O Bnashi Keno Gay” and Haimanti Shukla’s poignant “Thikana Na Rekhe Baholi Korecho Bondhu,” both delivered with emotional depth and intricate finesse. She also explored the realms of romanticism with the nostalgic “Tokhon Tomar Ekush Bochor Bodhoy Ami Tokhon Ostadoshir Choyay” and paid homage to Pratima Banerjee with the evocative “Ekta Gaan Likho Amar Jonno.” Her repertoire included several other beloved Bengali classics, leaving the audience in awe.
Trisha’s voice didn’t merely carry the melody; it embodied emotion, memory, and longing, wrapped in an exquisite balance of delicacy and strength. Her performance resonated deeply with the audience, immersing them in a collective stillness where every note stirred the soul. Her stage presence added another dimension to the experience — graceful, grounded, and radiating quiet strength, she captured hearts not just with her music but with her glowing charisma. It was a performance that will be cherished as one of the highlights of the Sangeet Utsav.
Surojit Chottopadhya, a name that needs no introduction, graced the Sangeet Utsav with a performance that was both mesmerizing and deeply memorable. Renowned for his melodious voice and artistic versatility, Surojit captivated the audience with a repertoire that showcased the soul of Bengali music. He performed solo, bringing a unique energy to the stage.
The evening began with the folk classic “Moner Ayenna Moner Manuh,” followed by several of his own beautifully composed songs. Among the highlights was his rendition of “Baranday Roddur,” a Bengali song that transported the audience to a realm of nostalgia. His performance felt like flipping through the pages of a collective memory, evoking laughter, bittersweet reminiscences, and a rush of familiarity through every note.
Surojit’s singing carried an honesty and fearless vulnerability, qualities that resonate only with those who truly believe in their music. The depth and emotion in his voice created a profound connection with the audience, leaving them immersed in an unforgettable musical experience. His presence at the Sangeet Utsav was undoubtedly a defining moment of the celebration.
The third and final day of the extraordinary grand finale was at the “Bangla Sangeet Festival inaugural three-day cultural extravaganza, culminating in a breathtaking evening that featured performances by legendary artists. The immensely talented Aitijhya Roy, the captivating Indranil Sen, and the remarkably versatile JoJo Mukherjee delivered unforgettable acts, leaving the audience spellbound and the event etched in memory as a spectacular celebration of Bengali music and heritage.
Aitijhya Roy, a national scholar and Akashbani artist, inaugurated the closing day with a remarkable performance that showcased her versatility and prominence in modern Bengali music. Renowned for captivating Rabindra Sangeet enthusiasts, she skillfully blended genres including Bengali folk, Rabindra Sangeet, devotional, and patriotic music.
Her heartfelt tribute to Pratul Kumar began with “Ami Banglai Gaan Gai,” setting the tone for a journey through diverse melodies. Highlights included the evocative “Dekhechhi Roop Shagorey,” a fresh Bengali folk tune; the soulful “Tumi Koto Je Dure” by RD Burman; and the elegant “Sokhi Bhabona Kahare Bole,” a Rabindra Sangeet classic. Additionally, her rendition of Manna Dey’s “Bharat Amar Bharatbarsho” and the devotional kirtan “Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare” added depth and spiritual resonance to her performance.
Aitijhya’s artistry culminated with “Chiro Sokha Hey,” a Rabindra Sangeet masterpiece, deeply moving the audience. Her ability to seamlessly navigate through genres underscores her dedication to preserving and promoting Bengal’s rich musical heritage.
The second performer of the day, Indranil Sen, delivered a soulful and melodious set that mesmerized the audience. His selection included timeless classics such as “Mone Pore Ruby Roy” and the Rabindra Sangeet masterpiece “Aguner Poroshmoni.” He captivated listeners with the evocative “Oi Je Akasher Gaaye” and the sentimental favorite “Ek Gochha Rajanigandha.” Indranil also paid tribute to Shyamal Mitra with “Ki Name Deke Bolbo Tomake” and concluded with the patriotic song “Dhono Dhanno Pushpo Bhora,” leaving the audience deeply moved by his heartfelt performance.
Jojo Mukherjee, a legendary performer who needs no introduction, delivered an exceptional showcase of old melodies that highlighted her extraordinary range and artistry. Her performance transcended expectations, leaving the audience captivated and longing for more. A few standout pieces included Geeta Dutt’s timeless “Nishi Raat Baanka Chand,” the romantic classic “Tumi Je Amar,” the duet by Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar “Ke Prothom Kache Esechi,” the soulful “Bondhu Tin Din Tor Barite Gelam,” and Usha Uthup’s lively number “Uri Uri Baba Ki Darun.”
With each song, Jojo’s electrifying presence brought new life to these cherished melodies, making the evening truly unforgettable. Her ability to effortlessly weave emotion into her performance demonstrated why she remains such a beloved figure in the world of Bengali music. Audiences are already anticipating her next enthralling showcase!
The inaugural Bangla Sangeet Utsav, organized by the West Bengal Government, left Delhi audiences spellbound. Hosted at the iconic Muktodhara Auditorium, the event became a mesmerizing celebration of Bengali music. The festival’s ambiance beautifully showcased the richness of Bengali culture, with elegant decorations and the soulful melodies of music creating an enchanting atmosphere. Every detail of the mela resonated with the spirit of festivity, paying a heartfelt tribute to the region’s heritage, language, and musical traditions.
Featured Image : Aitijhya Roy
Image : Mr. Dilip Guha
Read : Sasraya News | Sunday’s Literature Special | Issue 60 | 20 April 2025 | সাশ্রয় নিউজ রবিবারের সাহিত্য স্পেশাল | ২০ এপ্রিল ২০২৫| সংখ্যা ৬১
