Bodhan: A New Awakening of SXC, Kolkata's Bengali Literary Society

St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata’s oldest society, Bengali Literary Society (BLS), returns to its previous vigor as it brings back an array of events and competitions. To surmise, the Bengali Literary Society has finally arisen from its slumber.

The Bengali Literary Society does not delve into literature, alone. It offers much more. A society that prides itself on its reverence towards Bengali culture and heritage, BLS has consistently been in the pursuit of celebrating every aspect of being a ‘Bengali’. With the blessings of the nonpareil Rabindranath Tagore, BLS had raised its edifice, helmed by personalities like Utpal Dutt and Buddhadeb Guha. For nearly a century, BLS has taken it upon itself to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of a civilisation that is more than a millennium old.

Thus, with Durga Pujo less than a month away, BLS has set out to embrace the festival’s spirit with pomp and galore, through its flagship event, Bodhan, to be held on 10th October, 2023. Bodhan. This pre- pujo event, hence, is all ready to capture the zest of the city as it awaits the arrival of goddess Durga.

Durga Pujo is more than a festival, it transcends the boundaries of religion and community. With its strikingly flamboyant and palatial pandals, the tremendous fanfare of trumpets, amidst the reverberation of bells, chants, and dhak-beats, Durga Pujo is a majestic gala, a celebration that unites all. No wonder, Kolkata’s Durga Pujo has been enlisted as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. BLS has set out to imbibe this exact ethos through Bodhon, opening its arms to all those who wish to commemorate Bengali culture, in hopes of etching its name in the cultural history of the college.

Bodhon has had a lasting legacy over the years. With star-studded panel discussions, popular artist performances, and a plethora of competitive events, Bodhon has allowed the potentialities of students to flourish and reach new zeniths. This year is to be no exception.

The values of celebration and cultural exchange, espoused by BLS, have led to this year’s theme – ‘Fifty Years of Bangla Band’. A celebrated panel, comprising popular members of Bengali bands has been invited to the Fr. Depelchin Auditorium to explore Bengali band music and provide their valuable insights on the same. Four esteemed panelists will be felicitated on the day— Anindya Chatterjee from Chandrabindoo, Sidhu from Cactus, Kaushik Chakraborty from Prithibi, and last but not least Joyjit Lahiri from Gorer Math who has contributed greatly in the second phase of Maheener Ghoraguli (Maheener Ghoraguli shompadito Bangla Gaan). The panel discussion will not only be a great experience for the music lover students but also will be a unique collaboration of artists from the same field but from different generations.

A range of competitions would also be held, both online and on-campus to provide students the opportunity to showcase their talents. Through events like Srishtisukh (creative writing), Framebondhi (photography), Aachor (painting), and Gaaner Guto (group music), participants could put forth their creative caliber, tapping within their inner artists to appeal to the esteemed judges. Haajirjobab(quiz) and Somane-somane(debate) would allow students to portray their academic versatility and lingual dexterity. An excellent chance to hone one’s prowess and capabilities, as well as to shed one’s inhibitions, Bodhan is a fest that has something to offer to everyone.

Adding to the elation and heightened spirits of the students is the long-awaited advent of ‘Taalpatar Shepai’. This versatile musical duo has already captured the sensibilities of all those who love to listen to Bengali music. Their appearance would, indeed, become the crowning blow to one of the biggest fests in the city.

Durga Pujo marks the goddess’s triumph over the demon king Mahishasura, likewise, the team of Bodhan has also emerged triumphant against the stagnation brought on by the pandemic. Through Bodhan, the team of SXC’s Bangla Literary Society has endeavored extensively to revive the past glory and fervor the society has always been associated with.