The Calgary Tagore Society, an organisation of Bengalis living in Canada, celebrated Rabindra Jayanti (the birth anniversary of poet Rabindranath Tagore) through a colourful cultural programme in Calgary, with organisers saying the event was arranged to promote Bengali culture and traditions among the younger generation.
The vibrant atmosphere set the stage for an evening of Rabindra Sangeet at the Rockridge Shane Homes YMCA BMO Theatre in Calgary on the Sunday following Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary on 7 May.
The Rabindra Jayanti celebration created an atmosphere of emotion, nostalgia, and patriotism among Bengalis living in Canada, the release added, with the participation of non-Bengali guests also adding a multicultural dimension to the event.
The venue resonated with timeless Rabindra Sangeet performances, including “Jokhon Porbe Na Mor Payer Chinho,” “Amar Raat Pohalo,” “Hey Nutan,” “Dekha Dilo Bar Bar,” “Megher Pore Megh Jomechhe,” and “Shudhu Tomar Bani.”
Organisers expressed hope that such initiatives would further strengthen expatriates’ love for their motherland and encourage the continued practice of Bengali culture abroad.
Popular artists Rita Karmakar, Sulta Saha, Tirtha Saha, Shuvashis Chakraborty, Keka Sengupta, and Chandrima Poddar Oishi performed at the event. Dance performances were presented by Simana Roy and Ramisha Haque, while poetry recitations were delivered by Kiriti Roy and Mushfiq Salehin.
A talented group of musicians added a special dimension to the evening’s instrumental performances. Bappi Debroy performed on tabla, Joy Chowdhury on keyboard, and Prashant Michel John on guitar. In addition, the participation of Peter Fellstein on violin and Mark Scholz on cello gave the event an international flavour. Ayan Sarkar was responsible for the sound and lighting design throughout the programme.
Mushfiq Salehin coordinated communication, graphic design, and animation for the event, while Khair Khandaker Rubel oversaw the overall planning and management. Organisers said the event has added a new dimension to Calgary’s cultural landscape for lovers of Rabindra Sangeet and Bengali heritage.
President of the Calgary Tagore Society Saiful Islam Ripon said, “I am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and participation of expatriate Bengalis surrounding this Rabindra Jayanti celebration abroad. I have witnessed the deep love for culture and heritage among Calgary’s Bengali community. I hope this tradition will continue in the future. Rabindranath Tagore’s literature and creations should be promoted even more among the younger generation.”
General Secretary Khair Khandaker Rubel said, “Our goal is to preserve the true identity and heritage of the Bengali nation for future generations and to build a bridge between the younger generation and the culture, history, and traditions of Bengal. We are grateful to everyone who attended and supported the event.”
