A journey through Tagore’s evolving soul at Bengal Shilpalay
From youthful longing to philosophical maturity, Rabindranath Tagore’s creative life unfolded as a continuous journey rather than something stagnant. That journey took centre stage at “Jatrapather Anandagan”, a thoughtfully curated cultural programme held on Friday (January 30) evening at Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi.
Presented by City Bank and organised by architectural firm Khetro in collaboration with Bengal Foundation, the evening traced Tagore’s artistic evolution through songs and poems written between the ages of 16 and 80. Rather than following a conventional recital format, the programme wove music, poetry and narrative reflection into a cohesive experience that foregrounded the poet’s intellectual and emotional growth.
Renowned Rabindra Sangeet exponent Fahim Hossain Chowdhury and young performer Sanchita Rakhi lent their voices to carefully selected timeless compositions such as “Majhe Majhe Tobo Dekha Pai”, “Hridoyer Ekul Okul”, “Aji Joto Tara Tobo Akashe”, “Jogote Anondo Jogge”, “Kotha Hote Baje” and many more. Their performances were contextualised through narration and curation by Swikriti Prasad Barua, who guided the audience through the stories, circumstances and philosophical shifts behind each piece.
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The result was an immersive experience that encouraged listening beyond melody—towards meaning. As songs transitioned from early romanticism to later introspection, the programme revealed how Tagore’s worldview expanded with age, experience and engagement with the world around him.
The stage concept was developed with input from architect Dhruba Jyoti, while instrumental accompaniment by Gautam Kumar Sarkar, Robins Chowdhury, Ashok Kumar Sarkar, Md Nasir Uddin and Ustad Md Moniruzzaman added texture and restraint, allowing the words and melodies to remain at the forefront.
With Channel 24 as media partner, “Jatrapather Anandagan” drew appreciation from cultural enthusiasts for its alternative approach—eschewing spectacle in favour of reflection. The programme succeeded by resisting spectacle and trusting substance. Its careful pacing and thoughtful presentation offered a compelling case for why Tagore’s work continues to resonate across generations.
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