Among all the six seasons, monsoon has a special appeal. And when it comes to melody, Bengali people have a special place in their hearts for monsoon melodies. Though the city dwellers have been experiencing occasional showers over the last couple of weeks, yesterday, the first day of Bengali month Ashadh, marked the advent of the season.

Marking the arrival of monsoon, several cultural organisations held special programmes--featuring recitation, dances and songs—in the capital.

Udichi Shilpi Gosthi, Dhaka metro unit held “Borsha Utshab” (monsoon festival) at Nazrul Mancha of Bangla Academy. The event featured songs on rain, written and composed by Tagore, Nazrul and DL Roy, along with modern and folk numbers, recitation and several dance performances.

People thronged the Bangla Academy premises early in the morning. The serenity of nature was broken with a flute recital by Shahabuddin Ahmed. Accomplished classical vocalist Priyanka Gope performed a madhyalaya teentaal bandish “Barsana Lagi Rey”, set on a monsoon raga “Mian Ki Malhar”.

Directed by noted dancer-choreographer Sharmila Banerjee, artistes of Nrityanandan welcomed the season through a dance recital set on a Tagore song “Bajro Manik Diye Gantha”. The artistes looked dazzling in the tender light of the morning while presenting the riveting dance set on a rhythmic song. Eminent elocutionist Bhashwar Banerjee recited “Baani”, parts of a Tagore prose “Lipika” at the event. Jharna Sarkar also recited a Tagore poem “Meghla Din-e”.  

Artistes of Udiichi render a chorus at the event. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Artistes of Udichi performed a monsoon musical comprising recitation, dance and several choral songs -- “Alla Megh Dey”, “Kon Gaang-e Ailo Pani”, “Gaichhi Megho Mallar-e” and “Sabujer Samarohe”. Sajed Akbar performed a Baul-ang Tagore song “Megh-er Kol-e Kol-e”. Tagore singer Mahadev Ghosh beautifully performed the song “Abar Eshechhe Ashar”, propagating the clouds to pour in as rain. Folk singer Biman Chandra Biswas soulfully rendered a song “Poobali Batashey”.

Artistes of Panchobhaskor, Bonhishikha and Swabhumi performed choruses while Spondon artistes presented a group dance. The event also included a short discussion. Eminent cultural personality Kamal Lohani, naturalist Dweejen Sharma and others spoke on the season.

Solo and choral renditions, recitations and dances marked another programme at Bokultala, Charukala of Dhaka University. Satyen Sen Shilpi Goshti organised the programme.