To mark its 10th birthday, Kobitay Kathalap, an independent poetry performance initiative by Chandrima Roy, organised Kobitay Kathalap Utsav in association with The Telegraph, a two-day festival dedicated to performance arts.
In her welcome address on the first day of the programme, Chandrima Roy outlined the objective of the programme — to ‘break the bias’ against the pursuit of the creative arts and offer everyone the opportunity to express their creative potential, no matter their economic background or academic interests. To give recognition to this idea, the first Kobitay Kathalap Samman was awarded to singer-composer Anupam Roy.
A unique calendar with illustrations by artist Hiran Mitra was also released that day. Srabani Sen and Anindya Chatterjee performed Bandhujaner gaan on Day One and Two respectively. Solo poetry-readings by Barun Chanda, Joy Goswami, Srijato and Poulami Chattopadhyay were presented. Eleven veteran elocutionists including legendary theatre and television personalities were felicitated as part of the programme.
A chhau dance performance by artistes of Purulia on Day One and a performance by 10 dhaakis on Day Two brought down curtains on the show.
Glimpses.
Pankaj Saha, Saswati Guhathakurta and Rita Bhimani were among the 11 elocutionists felicitated for their contribution to the field of poetry reading and performance.
Chhau artistes from Purulia performed Mahisasurmardini, portraying the triumph of good over evil.
Chandrima Roy delivered an evocative poetry performance as part of her welcome address. “Kobitay Kathalap turns 10 with the objective of ‘breaking the bias’ and catering to multi-dimensional expertise. Corporate to cultural enthusiasts, educationists to folk artistes, all have joined hands to make the festival a success. I am truly thankful to all,” said Chandrima Roy, after the event.
Programme anchor Mir Afsar Ali was felicitated by Saswati Guhathakurta
A group of 10 dhaakis provided a fitting finale to the two-day programme with their festive beats
Anupam Roy received the first Kobitay Kathalap Samman from Chandrima Roy
Poulami Chattopadhyay read out poems reflecting diverse moods and emotions, composed by her father, the legendary Soumitra Chattopadhyay
Barun Chanda presented thought-provoking and poignant readings from the poetry of Shankha Ghosh
Anindya Chatterjee performed Bandhujaner gaan
Srijato Bandyopadhyay held the audience spellbound as he read out excerpts of his own poems.
Srabani Sen set the mood for the festival with her rendition of Tagore’s songs of the season
A calendar with illustrations by Hiran Mitra of 16 famous characters in Bengali poetry, was also launched.
Pictures: Koushik Saha, and the organisers