St Xavier’s College Ushers in Durga Puja Spirit with the Spectacular ‘Bodhan 2024’

The Bengali Literary Society (BLS) of St Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata, renowned for its dedication to preserving the vibrant culture and essence of Bangaliyana, triumphantly launched its first flagship event of the year Bodhan 2024. Held on September 23, this pre-puja extravaganza marked the beginning of the much awaited Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata – a festival that transcends religious observance to honour the rich traditions, heritage, and enduring legacy of Bengali culture.

With the Durga pujas fast approaching, the city of Kolkata is already aglow with the energy of the upcoming festivities, its streets adorned with lights and pandals at every corner. Against this vibrant backdrop, BLS’s Bodhan added another layer of excitement, becoming a key prelude to the season of joy. Following their successful monsoon event, Tomar Priyo Ritu Borsha Tayi, BLS once again proved its commitment to excellence with a celebration that elevated the grandeur of its tradition. Each event continues to push the boundaries of creativity and execution, ensuring that BLS’s name remains synonymous with cultural brilliance. This legacy proudly carries forward the traditions of icons such as Rabindranath Tagore, Utpal Dutt, and Buddhadeb Guha.

On the day of the event, the Depelchin Auditorium at St Xavier’s College was transformed into a lively tribute to Bengali culture, with its decor reflecting the unique heritage of the land. The atmosphere was set from the start, with the welcome address delivered by distinguished college dignitaries, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a gesture symbolising the beginning of festivities. The core committee members of BLS stood alongside as an inaugural musical performance, produced and performed by the society members themselves, ushered in the spirit of the event.

The surprise of the day came soon after the inaugural performance. As the audience settled back into their seats, the thunderous beats of the dhaak suddenly filled the auditorium, taking everyone by surprise. Dancers, along with society members, flooded the floor, pulling the audience into an impromptu traditional dance, injecting an infectious celebratory energy that perfectly embodied the festive spirit of Durga Puja.T

What followed was a day packed with exhilarating events and competitions. The fusion band competition, Tomay Gaan Shonabo, was judged by renowned singers Debojyoti Mishra and Gaurab Chatterjee, while other notable contests like the debate competition, Torke Bitorke, and the quiz competition, Gyaaner Churo, kept the crowd on their toes. Inside the auditorium, a thought-provoking play titled Aaji Rajneetite Hoyeche Shomoy unfolded, showcasing the dramatic prowess of the society members. This was followed by a powerful recitation and a mesmerising dance performance that symbolically welcomed the goddess, further elevating the emotional and artistic depth of the event. Throughout the day, the college grounds buzzed with an enthusiasm that broke the routine of lectures, replacing it with the magic of the pujas.

One of the day's standout moments was the star-studded panel discussion on the theme Mancha Theke Frame (From Stage to Screen: Variety in Media, Unity in Thoughts). The discussion featured a line-up of celebrated personalities, including Debesh Chattopadhyay, Shantilal Mukherjee, Debshankar Haldar, and Debashish Mandal, with Rini Biswas moderating the session. Their insights into the intersection of stage and screen captivated the audience, adding an intellectual depth to the day’s cultural experiences.

As if that wasn’t enough, the day ended on a high note with a crossover band performance by Highway X Wallflower. The energy, the emotion, and the sheer artistry of the performance struck a chord with the audience, moving students deeply and ensuring that the event left an indelible impression.

Bodhan 2024 ended with a palpable sense of pride and unity. The event not only celebrated the timeless traditions of Bengali heritage but also introduced contemporary artistic expressions, creating a fusion that resonated deeply with everyone present. The Bengali Literary Society once again raised the bar, setting a new standard for future events, all while keeping alive the emotional connection to Durga Puja.

This year’s Bodhan encapsulated the anticipation and joy that accompanies the arrival of goddess Durga and embodied the triumph of good over evil, leaving an enduring legacy that the students will cherish as they look forward to future celebrations.