Dilip Guha ★New Delhi : Dakshin Delhi Kalibari (DDKB) commenced its 58th Annual Durga Puja festivities with a spiritually enriching Mahalaya celebration on
September 21 marks the transition from Pitru Paksha to Devi Paksha. This sacred occasion, deeply rooted in Bengali tradition, was brought to life through a mesmerising performance of Mahisasurmardini by the acclaimed Agomoni Music Foundation.
In the early hours of Mahalaya day, devotees listen to the invocation of Goddess Durga through Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s powerful narration, stirring Sanskrit shlokas, and soulful music. This ritual transcends generations and geography. For Bengalis far from home, this program became a poignant thread connecting memory, faith, and cultural identity.
Under the artistic direction of Sudip Roy, Agomoni Music Foundation presented a musical narrative that captured the divine essence of Mahishasur Mardini. The performance featured Sri Chandi Path by Sudip Roy, whose unique voice lent gravitas to the spiritual recitation. The accompanying dance performance by Ankita Modak, directed by Sudip Roy, added a visual dimension to the spiritual narrative that left the audience spellbound.
Founded in 2017, Agomoni Music Foundation is a ten-member collective known for its specialisation in Mahisasurmardini. Apart from this, Agomoni Music Foundation organises BANGLA MUSIC CONCLAVE every year, which celebrates the richness of Bengali music and culture across India. The group has performed on various platforms all over India.
Thousands of miles from Bengal, the haunting strains of “Jago… Tumi Ja…go, Jago Durga, Jago Dashaproharanodaarinee Abhaya Shokti Baloprodayini, Tumi Jago, Jago Tumi Ja…go”, ‘Bajlo Tomar Alor Benu “, filled the air. These musical compositions evoked deep nostalgia among attendees, transforming the temple grounds into a sanctuary of shared heritage and devotion.
The members who participated in the program included Sudip Roy, Soma Gulati, Shiny Saha, Swati Bhatia, Ria Banik, Ranjita Banik, Sutapa Das, and Ajay Francis on the Tabla. The group was supported by Arpan Mukherji on the keyboard and dance by Ankita Modak. The group’s vocal coach, Hira Sarkar, worked with each member to put on thus performance.
This Mahalaya celebration sets the tone for DDKB’s broader Durga Puja theme: “নারী শক্তির জাগরণ” (Awakening of Women’s Power)—a tribute to the strength, creativity, and leadership of women in every sphere of life.
