Welcoming spring with Joler Gaan

Charukala is the home of art, and a haven for those who love nature and all the beauty it has to offer. So, it was no surprise when on the evening of February 16, 2019, the institution's backyard was buzzing with people. People form all walks of life waited eagerly to welcome Spring, with everyone's favourite folk band, Joler Gaan.

Being rather synonymous to nature, love and joy, Joler Gaan took the stage adorned with yellow marigolds under the bokultala in front of hundreds of people of all ages and profession singing songs about love, melancholy and mother earth.

After a brief introduction and cheers from audience, the band wasted no time in starting off with a heart-melting performance of Holud Phul. The song was only the beginning of the beautiful atmosphere the band created that evening, with each song coming to life through their heavily animated performance as the members danced to their own songs. Throughout the show, Rahul took up various instruments, including the flute, harmonica and at one point, even a bottle that he used to whistle some melodies for the jubilant audience.

While they performed many of their classics like Jhora Pata and Kagojer Nouka, Rahul soon called upon the audience to sing Ei Pagol and Emon Jodi Hoto, as if we had all become a part of the band. At one point, the talented and charming lead vocalist got the audience to sing a medley of Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano and Dhonno Dhanno Pushpe Bhora, proving that music is not only something to be appreciated, but is also something to be experienced.

Near the end of the show, one of the founding members of the band, Kanak, took to the stage and the crowd went in an uproar. At one point, it started to feel as if energy flowed from the band into the audience as every single person got up from their seats and began to sing along and dance to their performance of Bakul Phul.

Once the show ended, it was clear that everyone was going to leave on a high note. Many fans crowded behind the stage, hoping to get a chance to talk to or take a picture with Rahul and the other band members. I would've done the same, but as I felt the fresh Spring air blowing through the trees, I knew I was already content and rejuvenated from the experience that was a show by Joler Gaan.