Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : Dakshin Delhi Kali Bari (DDKB) organised the 126th birth anniversary celebration of Kazi Nazrul Islam, known as Nazrul Jayanti, on May 26, 2025, at its premises. This significant cultural event honoured the life and contributions of the legendary poet, musician, and philosopher. Established in 1968, Dakshin Delhi Kali Bari has become a prominent institution, playing a pivotal role in nurturing and preserving Bengal’s cultural heritage far from its native roots in the Delhi NCR region.
Kazi Nazrul Islam, often referred to as the Rebel Poet, was a renowned Bengali poet, musician, and revolutionary. Born on May 24, 1899, in Churulia village, Bengal Presidency (now in West Bengal, India), he grew up in a modest Muslim family. Observed annually by DDKB on his birthday, this year’s Nazrul Jayanti celebration embraced the theme Nazrul’s Panchakanya, featuring five women artists who showcased their talent through group performances and solo renditions of Nazrul Geeti and poetry. Their artistry reflected the revolutionary spirit and enduring literary legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam.
The occasion served as a meaningful platform to honour the iconic poet’s indomitable spirit and his invaluable contributions to the world of art and literature, reaffirming his influence across generations.
Speaking about the project, Nazrul’s Panchakanya, General Secretary of Dakshin Delhi Kali Bari, Subrata Das, shared, “Kazi Nazrul Islam is a blessing for us. His worldview, creativity, and philosophy have always inspired us. Working with his songs has been an extraordinary experience. This year, we planned something different, with an all-women lineup as Nazrul’s Panchakanya of participants showcasing their excellent talent to pay homage to the Rebel Kobi.”
His words capture the essence of the event—honouring Nazrul’s legacy with a fresh and meaningful approach while celebrating the talent and artistry of women performers.
The evening commenced with a solemn lamp-lighting ceremony by Dr. Amitava Mukherjee of Probhas Kalyani Priti Trust, Hazaribagh, Subrata Das, General Secretary of Dakshin Delhi Kali Bari, Basab Lahiri, Soumitra Bhattacharya, and by the participating artists before the portrait of Kazi Nazrul Islam, symbolising the triumph of knowledge and art over ignorance.
The event was also graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Niladree Deb Chowdhury, founder of Pe Su Ev, and Sri Ujwal Bhattacharya, among others.
Following the ceremonial tribute, a captivating musical performance set the stage for an unforgettable night, immersing the audience in the spirit and legacy of the revered poet. The stage proceedings at Nazrul Sandhya were expertly orchestrated by Mouli Ganguly and Bhisma Brata Bhattacharya, whose adept coordination ensured a seamless flow and kept the audience engaged throughout the event. Musicians were Mihir Basu on Keyboard and Nilanjan Sengupta on Tabla for the entire program.
The program’s inauguration commenced with a mesmerising musical presentation by the cultural choir group “Komol Gandhar” of Dakshin Delhi Kali Bari, setting a harmonious tone for the evening’s festivities. The artists were Mrs. Indrani Basu, Mrs. Sutapa Ghosh, Mrs. Sonali Sheet, Mrs. Papia Ray, Mrs. Falguni Pal, and Mrs. Kuheli Das. They presented several notable Nazrul geetis, some are under the genre of Bhatiwali and Kritan like Ganga Sindhu Narmada Kaveri Yamuna, ooi, Novo kisholoye ranga sojja patiya, Amar gohin joler nodi, Tora sob joyo dhwani kor,
Then came the much-anticipated highlight of the event—the Nazrul’s Panchakanya, presenting the songs, poems, and commentary of Kazi Nazrul Islam.
The Nazrul’s Panchakanya showcased a remarkable ensemble of distinguished artists, including Smt. Jahanara Raychowdhury, who contributed through compilation and commentary; Smt. Sutapa Ghosh Dastidar, whose poetry enriched the work, and Dr. Amrita Dutta, Smt. Indrani Das and Smt. Sudarshana Sinha, who lent their voice to the musical compositions. Their performances beautifully captured the essence of Nazrul’s revolutionary spirit and literary brilliance.
The Panchakanya featured a curated selection of notable songs, poems, and other creative works from Kazi Nazrul Islam’s extensive timeline, celebrating his artistic and literary contributions through a thoughtfully arranged performance. Smt. Jahanara Raychowdhury meticulously scripted and compiled the entire Panchakanya, weaving together the narrative. She also recounted key incidents from the life of Kabi Nazrul, seamlessly integrating them into the artists’ performances.
To mention some remarkable renditions of Nazrul Geeti, showcasing the timeless appeal of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s compositions, were “Amar Apnar Cheye Apon J Jon” & “Porodeshi Megh” – Indrani Das captivated the audience with her heartfelt interpretation of these classics, weaving a rich tapestry of emotion that resonated deeply with listeners. The songs beautifully reflected Nazrul’s themes of longing, love, and philosophical introspection.
“Ore Neel Jomunar Jol” & “Piya Piya Piya Papiya” – Dr. Amrita Dutta’s powerful voice breathed life into these compositions, balancing rhythmic dynamism with emotive depth. Her performance transported the audience into the lyrical and passionate essence of Nazrul’s works, highlighting his unmatched poetic brilliance. “A Ghor Shrabon Nishi” & “Voriya Poran” – Sudarshana Sinha’s soul-stirring renditions of these melodic gems captured the poignant beauty of Nazrul’s creations, evoking a profound sense of nostalgia and artistic admiration. Her expressive delivery enriched the atmosphere, leaving an indelible impression on all those present.
The evening featured a powerful recitation of the poems Sabyasachi and Nari by Sutapa Ghosh Dastidar, bringing to life the depth and intensity of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s literary genius. Her evocative delivery captured the essence of Nazrul’s revolutionary thoughts and his unwavering advocacy for equality and justice, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Each performance was infused with deep emotion, skill, and artistic finesse, celebrating Nazrul’s genius through soulful melodies.
Nazrul Jayanti at DDKB stands as a vibrant tribute to the life, works, and ideals of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Rebel Poet of Bengal. More than just a commemoration, the event serves as a powerful reminder of Nazrul’s visionary ideas and unyielding spirit, inspiring generations to embrace his legacy of artistic brilliance and fearless advocacy for justice and equality.
