On a rainy Wednesday evening, Rabindra Sadan came alive with music and devotion at the ‘Eso Maa Shantidayini’ event, organised by ALLY’S Services.
‘Eso Maa Shantidayini’ was a prayer to awaken energy and consciousness, marking the arrival of Maa Durga, the goddess of power. Despite the downpour, the auditorium was packed with eager spectators — all excited to experience the festive fervour through a blend of music, poetry and hymns.
Srijan Chattopadhyay with Surojit Chatterjee at the event
With My Kolkata as the digital media partner, the event brought together both seasoned and young artistes — each leaving an indelible mark on the audience. The evening began with Srijan Chattopadhyay’s calming Chandi Paath, setting the perfect mood for a celebration of both strength and peace.
The event saw a soulful performance by singer Haimanti Sukla
Next came a soulful performance by the legendary Haimanti Sukla, whose rendition of the Mahalaya classic, Akhilo Bimane, filled the auditorium with devotion and nostalgia. Agnibha Bandopadhyay's powerful voice captivated the audience, blending energy with grace.
(L-R) Surojit Chatterjee, Mounita Chattopadhyay, Madhumita Basu and Srabani Sen were the eminent guests present
The event’s theme, envisioned by Mounita Chattopadhyay, celebrated Maa Durga’s divine energy and the peace she brings. This balance was beautifully reflected in the performances. While reciting her own poem, Mounita captured this essence, saying, “Dhormo, artho, sukho dukkho dayi, aamar pushpanjali grohon koro.”
An excited Amit Mitra from ALLY’S Services, said, “It’s amazing to see so many people come out despite the rain. The message that we want to give via this programme is that even if celebration takes place there must be peace somewhere. Peace must return this puja.”
One of the most remarkable parts of the evening was the audience’s resilience. Even with the steady rain, Rabindra Sadan was packed, showcasing Kolkata’s strong bond with Durga Puja and the cultural events surrounding it. Instead of deterring them, the rain seemed to add charm to the experience, with spectators happily humming along to the performances.
The event’s theme, envisioned by Mounita Chattopadhyay, celebrated Maa Durga’s divine energy and the peace she brings
The event organisers emphasised that music is more than just a luxury. It’s a ritual and a language of devotion. According to them, combining art and music serves as a powerful form of prayer, not just a celebration.
“Devi Durga’s arrival represents spiritual power. This feeling needs to grow within us before the pujas. We are not just focusing on utsav; rather, we want to achieve self-realisation. We organised this in the form of songs and recitations, but our sole aim is to bring peace,” Mitra added.
