Chhayanaut’s ‘Shuddhasangeet Utsab’ begins as symbol of cultural resilience

With the aim of sustaining the practice of pure music and reconnecting audiences with classical traditions, a two-day “Shuddhasangeet Utsab” began at the Chhayanaut Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi on Friday. Dedicated to Ustad Alauddin Khan, the three-session festival brings together singing and instrumental performances by both emerging and veteran artistes.

The festival marks Chhayanaut’s first major cultural event following the recent attack on the institution, emerging as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal. The message of comeback was reflected in the strong audience turnout on the opening day, as the auditorium was filled with viewers who attended through prior registration. The enthusiastic response underscored the enduring public interest in classical music and reaffirmed Chhayanaut’s return to cultural activity.

The programme opened with the national anthem, followed by a welcome address by Chhayanaut President Sarwar Ali. He recalled the unfortunate incident that took place at the building on December 18, noting that this festival was the first event to be held there since the attack. Describing the incident as an attempt by anti-cultural forces to exploit the situation, he said there had been efforts to set fire to every room of Chhayanaut’s six-storey building.

According to Sarwar Ali, the attackers’ main target was the musical instruments used for music education, while attempts were also made to destroy textbooks and supplementary materials of the Nalanda children’s school. Referring to earlier attacks on Bengali and Baul artistes, he said the underlying intention was to strike at Bengali culture and sever people from their roots.

“Greater than the financial loss is the bleeding of the hearts of students and teachers,” Sarwar Ali said. “This wound has, in fact, gathered within us the strength to rise again. Within just a fortnight, Chhayanaut has returned to its normal activities. Classes have resumed, and the Shuddhasangeet Festival has been organised.” Emphasising safety, he added that Chhayanaut seeks a secure environment where music can be practised, taught, and performed freely by people of all traditions.

He further expressed the aspiration for a country where theatre practitioners can stage plays, Baul singers can perform pala gaan in winter as before, and journalists can work safely in accordance with their conscience and professional ethics, ensuring an unhindered cultural environment.

Following the inaugural segment, the performances began with a choral presentation by Chhayanaut artistes, conducted by Asit Kumar Dey. Based on the resonance of Raga Malkauns, the piece brought together elements of five different ragas. Badal Chowdhury accompanied on the tabla, while Tinku Shil played the harmonium.

This was followed by singing from Dipro Nishanto, who presented Raga Purabi, accompanied by Prashanta Bhowmik on the tabla, Abhijit Kundu on the harmonium, and Shaunak Debnath Rik on the Sarangi. 

The third performance featured a dual tabla performance by Ononno Ignetius Rozario and Aprotim Roy, which drew an enthusiastic response from the audience. Amit Karmokar presented a nagma on the harmonium, after which Ebadul Huq performed Raga Yaman Kalyan on the sitar.

In subsequent performances, Shaila Tasmeen presented Raga Shyam Kalyan in her beautiful voice, followed by Bitu Shil’s vocal rendition of Raga Vachaspati. The seventh performance saw Mrityunjoy Das present an instrumental flute recital based on Raga Rageshree. The opening day concluded with a vocal performance by Asit Kumar Dey.

The festival continues today, Saturday, at the Chhayanaut Auditorium in Dhanmondi. The second session is scheduled from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, followed by the third session from 2 pm to 9:30 pm after a one-and-a-half-hour break.