Dilip Guha ✪ New Delhi : The Government of West Bengal organised a cultural evening during the eleventh edition of the Bengal Mango Mela and Handicrafts-Handloom Expo, on July 6, 2025, recently held at the Handloom Haat courtyard on Janpath, New Delhi.
Two groups, namely ‘Ichchhebitan’ of New Delhi and Bangla band ‘Dohar’, performed on the occasion.
That’s such a joy to hear! There’s something magical about watching young kids discover their creative spark—whether it’s hitting the right note in a song or expressing big feelings through a small paintbrush. Summer camps are incredible spaces for this kind of free expression and growth, and it sounds like this one is truly nurturing young talent.
‘Ichchhebitan’ is an emerging organisation, born from the shared aspirations of four friends, Siddhartha Bhadury, Nabanita Chatterjee, Subhashish Ghosh, and Saurasanta Biswas. It is dedicated to lovingly nurturing Bengali children and preserving the culture and heritage of Bengal, especially outside of West Bengal.
This year, for the first time, the children had the opportunity to perform in a stage show at the cultural program hosted by the Government of West Bengal during the eleventh edition of the Bengal Mango Mela and Handicrafts-Handloom Expo
On the occasion, Nabanita shares, “Our Bengali language, our mother tongue, is incredibly rich, with countless precious works celebrated around the world. If the next generation remains unaware of it, how will it be sustained? We are working to provide training in the Bengali language for young children.”
“Our organisation aims to introduce these children to the diversity of Bengali creations, offer them a joyful and friendly environment, help them connect with like-minded peers, and encourage participation in structured group activities. ‘Ichchhe Bitan’ emphasises collective performances where everyone plays a role.”
Throughout the year, the children engage in music, dance, poetry, and drama, with a strong focus on the Bengali language and culture. Special attention is given during the summer camps organised during school holidays.
After weeks of dedicated practice during their enriching summer camp, a group of talented young children took to the grand stage with confidence and grace at a cultural function, in front of Smt. Ujjaini Datta, Resident Commissioner of the Government of West Bengal, along with other distinguished dignitaries on the occasion.
Their heartfelt performance captivated the audience and celebrated the diverse richness of Indian and global musical traditions. Their performance began with a rousing opening song, “Ami Bangaly GaanGai,” setting a deeply cultural and emotional tone that reflected pride in Bengali heritage.
Next came selections from Rabindra Sangeet, AmraChanchal AmraAdvut – showcasing the children’s playful spirit and curiosity and Bidhir Badhan – evoking depth and soulfulness beyond their years.
Mastering Adhunik segment featured Bajlo Chhutir Ghonta, a joyful anthem that resonated with every school-going child in the audience. They show equal competence in Traditional folk songs like Kalo Jole Kuchla Tole and Faguner O Mohonaye, bringing vibrant rural colours to life, delivered with infectious energy and rhythmic movements.
A melodic tribute to Satyajit Ray’s films added a cinematic touch, reminding the audience of Bengal’s contribution to global cinema.
The Hindi segment included timeless classics such as Dil Hai Chhota Sa, capturing innocence and dreams, and Kajra Mohabbat Wala, performed with charm and flair.
Their performance concluded with the English folk ballad “100 Miles,” offering an international flavour and highlighting the children’s remarkable versatility. The event was such a proud moment for the families of the kids and mentors.
Next event at cultural evening, of the vibrant Bengal Mango Mela, the spotlight shone brightly on Dohar, the renowned Bengali folk band from Kolkata, West Bengal. Known for their devotion to Bengal’s musical traditions, Dohar’s presence was a cultural highlight amidst the event’s array of performances, which included Baul singers and other beloved folk artists. A tribute was paid to Kalika Prasad Bhattacharya, a founding member of Dohar and a champion of Bengali folk music.
Folk music, passed down through generations via oral traditions, is more than entertainment—it is a living archive of the customs, stories, and spirit of a region. Dohar’s performance captured that essence beautifully. With Rajib Das at the helm as team leader, and fellow artists Rittik Guchait, Mrignabhi Chattopadhyay, Satyajit Sarkar, Amit Sur, Rahul Karmakar and Sudipto Chakraborty, the group delivered a captivating repertoire of Bengali folk songs that resonated deeply with the audience.
Their music reverberated with the earthy timbre of traditional Indian classical percussion instruments—including the dhak, dhol, dholak, and Bengal’s unique domsa madol. Each instrument, rich in history and heritage, served as more than accompaniment; they were storytellers in their own right.
Rooted in centuries of cultural tradition, these instruments form the rhythmic backbone of Indian classical, folk, and ceremonial music. Their commanding presence and intricate textures brought vibrant energy and depth to every performance, often surpassing the emotional intensity and rhythmic nuance of Western musical instruments.
Far from being simplified in musical expression, each beat on these traditional drums carries the legacy of generations. Every vibration echoes the soul of a people, weaving stories through sound and preserving the essence of a shared cultural memory. In the hands of artists like Dohar, this heritage sings loudly and proudly.
To mention, the vibrant beats and evocative lyrics stir emotions deep within the audience. Some clap along instinctively, others rise to their feet, start dancing, unable to resist the pull of the music of the number “Sohag Chand Bodoni Dhoni Nacho To Dekhi”. This popular folk or stage number ignites a wave of excitement the moment its melodic strains ripple through the air. The rhythm is infectious, drawing people in like a magnet.
Featured Image : Kids of Ichhebitan Group at Mango Mela
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