A perfect blend

This year,well-known Manipuri exponent Darshana Jhaveri and city-based bharatnatyam artist Parimal Phadke will be a part of the festival. “The highlight of this year’s festival will be Tagore’s music. There will be combined performance of Raabindrik music and dance along with some of the unique folk and classical scores,” says Sharmila Mazumdar,general secretary,Bangiya Sanskriti Samsad. 

Speaking more about the concept of Basant Utsav,Mazumdar says,“There are various Bengali assications in the city that are busy with different socio-cultural activities throughout the year. Basant Utsav is a platform wherein all such organisations come together and showcase their talent.” The best part is that all the organisations rehearse their part of music or dance pieces individually but on the day of Basant Utsav it is presented as a single programme.  

The presentation of cultural programmes at the festival includes Phul Phagune Ranger Nesha (A sequel of songs and dances from the repertoire of Kazi Nazrul Islam) and Bhaanga Gaane Praner Joyaar (Tagore’s adaptation – A blissful synthesis). As their regular practice,this year too,the festival will see tree plantation at Empress Botanical Gardens. Interestingly,this year,the two saplings – Palash and Sonajhuri – have been especially brought all the way from Shantiniketan. The programme also includes felicitation of Jhaveri and Phadke. 

The yearly festival is not only popular amongst the Bengalis but also amongst people of other community. “People from all walks of life participate in Basant Utsav. Last year around 700 people attended the utsav,this year we are expecting a similar response,” says Mazumdar.

Basant Utsav Schedule
– Phul Phagune Ranger Nesha (A sequel of songs and dances from the repertoire of Kazi Nazrul Islam)
– Tree plantation
– Felicitation of Darshana Zaveri and Parimal Phadke
-Bhaanga Gaane Praner Joyaar (Tagore’s adaptation – A blissful synthesis)  

(Basant Utsav will be held at Empress Botanical Gardens,on February 28,9.30 am onwards)