Singer Shuvo Das and contemporary vocalist Aishi Rakshit have released a new Puja song, Agomoni’r Alpana, at a cultural event in Chattogram, bringing together music, dance and discussion to celebrate Bengali musical traditions and encourage original compositions.
The song was unveiled at 6pm on Wednesday, 14 October, at the Theatre Institute Chattogram. Organised by Someswar Nrityaloy, the programme attracted musicians, cultural figures, writers, journalists and other guests. Alongside the launch, the event highlighted the importance of sustaining Bengali musical heritage while creating opportunities for contemporary artists to present new work.
Das, who gained recognition through his appearance on Zee Bangla’s singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, composed the music for Agomoni’r Alpana. The lyrics were written by Dr Ambarish Mitra, while Malay Kumar Indu Mukesh and Anujit Barua Limon were responsible for the musical arrangement. The collaboration brings together lyric-writing, composition and arrangement in a new release for the Puja season.
Both Das and Rakshit performed at the event, adding a live musical element to the celebrations. Artistes from Someswar Nrityaloy also presented dance performances, complementing the musical programme and reinforcing the event’s emphasis on cultural expression.
The gathering also provided a platform for discussion about the influence of music on society. Speakers observed that songs can shape public attitudes, introduce listeners to new perspectives and encourage positive changes in behaviour. When audiences connect with the ideas expressed through lyrics and melodies, music can help raise awareness of social inconsistencies and stimulate reflection.
Another key theme was the enduring appeal of traditional music. Although listening habits and access to music have changed over time, compositions created generations ago continue to attract audiences. Speakers called for greater support for original Bengali songs and urged musicians and cultural organisations to help bring the language’s rich musical heritage to a wider audience.
The programme was presented by Shrutishikha. MA Malek, editor of Dainik Azadi, attended as the chief guest, while writer and journalist Biswajit Chowdhury and Anup Baran Das, director of Azim Group, were the special guests.
Musician Riaz Waez, chairman of Bakar Sons Group, presided over the event. Das also shared his thoughts on the occasion. Recitation artiste Konkon Das hosted the programme, while Sukanta Chowdhury, director of Someswar Nrityaloy, delivered the welcome address. The invited guests were felicitated with flowers.
Puja songs occupy a distinctive place in Bengali cultural life, particularly during Durga Puja. Agomoni songs traditionally evoke the arrival of Goddess Durga and the anticipation surrounding the festival, drawing on themes associated with devotion, family, the autumn season and Bengali identity. The tradition connects music with cultural memory, allowing familiar themes to be revisited through new compositions and interpretations.
Contemporary releases can help maintain that connection while giving artists scope to explore fresh arrangements and musical approaches. Original songs also provide opportunities for lyricists, composers, singers and arrangers to contribute to a living tradition rather than relying exclusively on established compositions.
The launch of Agomoni’r Alpana reflects continuing efforts by musicians and cultural organisations to promote original Bengali music through public events and live performances. By combining the release with dance, recitation and discussion, the organisers placed the song within a broader celebration of artistic heritage.
The Chattogram programme also underscored the role of cultural institutions in supporting creative work and bringing artists and audiences together. Its focus on both traditional music and new compositions offered a reminder that preserving a musical heritage does not mean keeping it unchanged; it also involves encouraging fresh interpretations that can connect with successive generations.
