DILIP GUHA ★ New Delhi : Rabindra Nazrul Sandhya is a cherished cultural event that takes place every May, celebrating the shared birth month of two literary giants—Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. These iconic figures profoundly shaped Bengali literature, music, and philosophy, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Various organisations and cultural groups of Delhi NCR host Rabindra Nazrul Sandhya to foster unity and celebrate Bengali heritage. Performances, poetry readings, and theatrical presentations often accompany it. Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam are two towering figures in Bengali literature, each leaving an indelible mark on poetry, music, and philosophy.
Both poets emphasised themes like human dignity, love, and social justice, shaping Bengali cultural consciousness. Their works continue to inspire artists, scholars, and activists worldwide. Tagore, a Nobel laureate, and Nazrul, the “Rebel Poet,” contributed immensely to Bengali culture. This event brings their creations—Rabindra sangeet and Nazrul Geeti—to life through performances, recitations, and discussions. The festival serves as a platform to keep their artistic traditions alive, ensuring that younger generations continue to appreciate and engage with their works.
As per previous years, this year too, New Delhi Kali Bari had made elaborate arrangements for the Rabindra Nazrul Sandhya festival.
New Delhi Kali Bari came alive with cultural grandeur as it hosted jointly with Probhas Kalyani Priti Trust Hazaribagh the Rabindra Nazrul Sandhya festival on 17th May 2025, celebrating the artistic legacies of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. The temple’s elaborate arrangements created a mesmerising atmosphere, where soulful renditions of Rabindra sangeet and Nazrul Geeti resonated through the stage. Notable artists included were the versatile exponent of Rabindra Sangeet, Shirin Soraiya of Kolkata, the well-known singer of Nazrul Geeti, Piyali Haldar of New Delhi, and Pranab Mallik, also a Nazrul Geeti artist, captivated audiences with their performances, paying tribute to the timeless works of these literary icons. The evening was a harmonious blend of music and devotion, reinforcing the deep cultural ties that the Kali Bari nurtures within the community.
Artists of the evening were accompanied by musicians Aniruddha Choudhary on Keyboard, Nilanjan Sengupta on Tabla, and Amaresh Chakraborty on Octopad. Pranab Mallik was accompanied by Bithika Mallik on the Harmonium. The stage proceedings at Rabindra Nazrul Sandhya were skillfully conducted by Mouli Ganguly Bhattacharyya, who played a crucial role in ensuring the event’s smooth flow and engagement.
The evening unfolded with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony in front of the portraits of Rabindra Nath and Kazi Nazrul Islam, symbolising the dispelling of ignorance through knowledge and art. Distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion were Swapan Ganguly secretary, New Delhi, Kali Bari, Dr Amitava Mukherjee, of Probhas Kalyani Priti Trust, Hazaribagh, Subrata Das, General Secretary of Dakshin Delhi Kali Bari, and Mrs. Bharati Sarkar.
This was followed by a musical performance, setting the tone for a memorable night.
Shirin Soraiya is a noted singer known for her soulful renditions of Rabindra Sangeet, the songs composed by Rabindranath Tagore. She has gained recognition for her performances both in India and abroad. Soraiya hails from Murshidabad, West Bengal, and is a Doordarshan artist who has performed widely and is increasingly visible on television music channels. She has a YouTube channel where she shares her music, including popular renditions like Phagun Haway Haway and Sokatore Oi Kadiche Sokole. Her dedication to Tagore’s lyrics has made her a rising star in the world of Rabindra Sangeet.
Shirin Soraiya has performed several well-loved Rabindra Sangeet pieces; she chose mostly Puja and Swadesh, and just one in the Prem genre, and the focus was more on kirtan and baul genres. Some of her popular songs include “Mone Pore Aaj Se Kon Jonome Bidaye Balaye”, she transitioned into different genres like Baul“Tumi Je Surer Agun Lagie Dile Mor Prane”,a Beautiful Rabindra Sangeet, “Ami Bahu Basanay Pranpane Chaai,” “Abr tourr mora gannge baan asechy”(Swadesh), “Amra sobai raja …milbo ki sorthy”(Children’s song), etc.
Piyali Haldar is known for her soulful renditions of Nazrul Geeti, a genre of Bengali music based on the compositions of Kazi Nazrul Islam. She is also an A-grade artist of Aashvani and Doordarshan and a music teacher at, Bengali senior secondary school, civil lines Delhi.
She delivered a heartfelt and mesmerizing performance, which included Bhakti Geeti, Kabya Geeti, Kirtan, and various other genres, presenting a selection of Nazrul Geet that showcased the depth and diversity of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s musical compositions. Her rendition included timeless classics such as Nivrito Boner Chaya and Eki Ashimo Piyasha: A Tribute to Kazi Nazrul Islam (Raag Pradhan), evoking deep emotions through her expressive vocals.
She also enchanted the audience with soulful interpretations of Mono Manoso… Madhobo Tumi Asho Hee and Aei Tou Prothomo, a powerful Nazrul Kirtan. Transitioning seamlessly into different musical moods, she presented “Aaj K Tomar O Amar Bedona Basor ‘as a stirring Nazrul Ghazal, resonating with the themes of longing and reflection. Her rendition of” Bodhu Tomar Amr Birohoy … Ak Jonome Er Nohey” (Kavya geeti Biroho) beautifully captured the essence of separation and deep emotions that characterize Nazrul’s poetry and musical expression. Song: Kaveri Nadi Jole ae k goo probhaty … Kolose was also impressive. Her finale, “Shyama naamer laglo agun,” filled the atmosphere of the mandir with rich devotional sentiment.
Pranab Mallik is a promising and talented singer, steadily making a name for himself with his exceptional expertise in Nazrul Geeti. Having trained under esteemed mentors, he continues to refine his craft while pursuing his graduation in Music. His dedication and passion for soulful renditions have captivated audiences, earning him recognition for his expressive and heartfelt performances. Among his notable musical presentations are enchanting numbers such as Ajo Kande Kanone Koyeliya, Mor Priya Hoby Aesho Rani, Khopa Tara Ful, Pothe Tomar, and Bijoli Jochona Sathi. His ability to bring depth and emotion to these timeless compositions showcases his artistry in the world of Nazrul Geeti. His tonal and vocal quality impressed audiences
With the unique efforts and skills of these artists, through various experiments, the audience had the opportunity to witness the familiar tunes of the music on the stage. Undoubtedly, for the best many music lovers, their performance and the audience’s reception of it were both simple and enjoyable.
To mention, the New Delhi Kali Bari’s historical significance is profound. Established in the 1930s near the Laxminarayan Temple, it became a cornerstone for the Bengali community. The Kali Bari has since played a pivotal role in nurturing and preserving Bengal’s cultural heritage far from its native shores.
The Rabindra and Nazrul Jayanti Utsav, at New Delhi Kalibari premises, was a resounding success, with performances that brought the house down with thunderous applause. Kudos to the talented performers and both the organizers for an unforgettable celebration of Rabindranath Tagore’s and Kazi Nazrul Islam’s legacy, and New Delhi Kalibari’s efforts in promoting cultural heritage are truly commendable.
Image : Writer
