Invoking the Mother Goddess

Yesterday dawn resonated with the holy ulu and Shankho-dhwani coupled with the rhythms of dhak at Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka. Marking Mahalaya, noted elocutionist Bhashwar Bandyopadhyay recited the immortal verses from the “Chandi” while several noted artistes performed devotional songs and dances at the event.Mahalaya ushers in the aura of Durga Puja. From the day of Mahalaya, the preparations for the Durga Puja reach the final stage. It is an auspicious occasion observed seven days before the Durga Puja, and heralds the advent of Durga, the goddess of supreme power. It’s an invitation to the mother goddess to descend on earth to ward off all evils. This is done through the chanting of mantras and singing devotional songs.Based on Raga “Bageshree”, noted singer Khairul Anam Shakil beautifully presented a Nazrul Sangeet “Ma-go Chinmoyi Roop Dhorey Aaye” at the event themed on “Dhormo Jaar Jaar, Utshab Shobar”. Aloke Kumar Sen performed a Bhairvi Sandra “Bhavani Dayani”. The artiste’s rendition seemingly touched the hearts of the audience as he emotively produced pukar with apt devotion.Accomplished vocalist Priyanka Gope offered a Mahalaya traditional song “Yea Chandi” while singer Bizon Chandra Mistry presented a devotional track from his latest album “Matir Protima”. Another devotional piece by promising singer Shimu Dey followed. Talented singer Sanjay Kabiraj performed a Nazrul Sangeet “Jago Jogomaya Jago Mrinmoyi”, set on Raga “Jogia”. Choreographed by renowned dancer Sharmila Bandyopadhyay, several artistes presented a group dance along with three solo pieces at the event.
Autumn is the season of softness and silkiness. The constantly-changing beauty of clouds; freshness and fragrance of sheuli-bokul; sunlight-glittering dewy pearl on the web of spider and the joyful advent of Devi Durga all are the features of the season. Music, themed on the season, has a nostalgic plea. A Tagore composition “Oi Bhubono Monomohini” reminds of the ushering in of “Durga”. The crux of the song focuses on getting rid of scarcity, poverty and dearth and bringing in food, wealth and energy. Another Tagore composition “Aaji Bangladesh-er Hridoy Hotey Kokhon Aponi, Tumi Ei Oporoop Roop-e Bahir Holey Janoni; Ogo Maa, Tomaye Dekhe Dekhe Aankhi Na Phirey, Tomar Duar Aaji Khule Gechhey Shonar Mondirey…” superbly depicts the season autumn and Devi Durga.