Celebrating monsoon through the bliss of classical raagas

The two-day (July 26-27) Malhar Festival hailing the rainy season concluded at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Saturday. The High Commission of India, Dhaka, in association with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, organised the programme at the National Theatre Hall of BSA.

Renowned Indian stalwarts,  Pt. Kushal Das (Sitar maestro), Pt. Debojyoti Bose (Sarod maestro), Sawani Shende Sathaye (Vocalist) and Pt. Subhankar Banerjee (Tabla maestro) coupled with famous Classical singer from Bangladesh, Priyanka Gope, enthralled music lovers of Dhaka with their fantastic solo and sat-sangat performances.

The festival, which aims to connect classical music lovers in both Bangladesh and India, offered a great opportunity for music enthusiasts to witness prominent Indian artistes presenting their best compositions.

Priyanka Gope performs a scintillating piece.

The opening day of the event witnessed mind-blowing performances by Shawani Shende Sathaye, Subhankar Banerjee, Tanmay Abhay and Mukund Shreeram. The programme began with a beautiful presentation of Raaga Miyan Ki Malhar by Sawani followed by a Kajri and Raaga Ramdaasi Malhar by Kushal Das.

Priyanka Gope beautifully presented Khayals set on Raaga Miyan Ki Malhar and Raaga Surdasi Malhar. Pt Debojyoti Bose surpassed the sphere of words, revealing the magic of his Sarod. Debojyoti started off with alap of Raaga Gaud Malhar very slowly, almost like a butterfly coming out of its cocoon. Pt. Subhankar Banerjee joined him during the bistar, jor, jhala and tehai with teen taal. Starting slowly with his tabla, Pt Subhankar ascended to a higher musical realm. With his characteristic style, he passionately produced divine rhythms. Set on madhyala teen taal, Pandit Debojyoti later played Raaga Ramdasi Malhar on his sarod in a way that strongly resembled a vocalist’s performance.  He concluded his recital, performing a Bhatiali dhun mingling with the tunes of a Tagore song Jodi Tor Daak Shune Keu Na Ashe. Exquisite loykari on tabla with awe-inspiring bistar on sarod thoroughly captivated the audience.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Riva Ganguly Das, Bangladesh Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser Gowher Rizvi were in attendance.  Political advisor HT Imam, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Affairs Md Shahab Uddin, Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and co-operatives Swapan Bhattacharjee, Bengal Foundation Chairman Abul Khair, eminent thespian Ramendu Majumdar and BSA director general Liaquat Ali Lucky, among others, were present at the festival.