The sky of Srabon was heavy with clouds. At times, rain poured down, while at others, the blue sky seemed to disappear behind a veil of clouds.
These changing moods of the monsoon came alive through song and dance at a Barshamangal celebration organized by Rabirag at Chhayanaut Sangeet Bidyayatan in Dhaka on Friday.
Through Rabindranath Tagore’s monsoon songs, group musical performances and dance, the program created an atmosphere that reflected not only the joy of rain, but also the melancholy, longing and emotional depth associated with Srabon.
From the opening songs to the final notes, the clouds and rain of the season seemed to return repeatedly to the stage in different forms.
The program began with a group musical performance, with artists presenting a series of Tagore songs, including "Bishwabhubonre Bishwajon Mohichhe, Barshamanik Diye Gantha" and "Jhar Jhar Barishe Baridhara".
The songs were followed by dance performances, with artists presenting ‘Oi Ashe Oi Ati’. The movement and rhythm captured the exuberance of the monsoon, the changing face of nature and the simple joy of rain.
A group performance of "Neel Naboghane/Dharanir Gagane" then deepened the monsoon atmosphere, creating the impression of a sky thick with rain clouds. Nirupama and Lipika followed with "Kon Puraton Praner Tane".
The program moved between group and solo performances, offering different shades of the rainy season.
Tapan performed "Abar Eshechhe Ashar", followed by the collective rendition of "Ashar Kotha Hote Aj". Tapan and Tanmoyi also performed to "Oi Maloti Lota Dole".
As the evening progressed, the program explored the many emotions associated with Srabon.
Artists performed a dance to "Hridoye Mondrilo Damru", while Shama Ali lent her voice to "Sakhi Andhare". Naznin and Chandan De performed "Aj Jharjhar Mukhar".
Several familiar Tagore songs were also presented collectively, including "Neel Anjanghan Punja Chhayay" and "Aji Barishan Mukhorito". Sandhya Bhattacharya performed "Ami Srabon Akashe Oi".
The energy of the monsoon was further brought out through dance performances to "Bipul Tarangore" and "Mon Mor Megher Sangi". These were complemented by the contrasting moods of "Taper Taper Bandhan Katuk" and "Aji Godhulilagne Ei Badal".
The later part of the program brought together more group performances, including "Andhar Ambare Prochondo", "Aji Barishan Mukhorito" and "Eso Shyamol Sundor/Shyamol Chhaya".
Nirupam performed "Amar Din Furalo" as a solo, while Rama sang "Jete Dao, Gel Jara". "Srabon Tumi Batase Kar", performed by Shrota/Neer, added another layer of emotion to the evening.
The program concluded with the collective rendition of "Jay Din Srabon Din Jay".
Throughout the evening, the monsoon was presented not simply as a season, but as an emotional landscape — shifting between the exhilaration of rain, the sadness of a cloudy sky, the pain of separation and the restless rhythm of nature.
Sometimes the rain appeared through the sound and rhythm of the songs. At other moments, it emerged through the melancholy of the performances or the exuberance of dance.
Speaking after the program, Rabirag member Shama Ali reflected on the evening and the performers.
“We listened to songs, and there was dance in front of them. What beautiful dancing! The artists of Nrityanjali performed,” she said.
Remembering late artist Sadi Mohammad, she added: “He is in the infinite emptiness, watching us, loving us, blessing us. And we are singing songs of Srabon.”
She also recalled Rabirag’s Director Amina Ahmed, who is currently abroad.
“We are remembering our director Amina Ahmed Apa. She is outside the country. Even then, she directed everything from a distance,” Shama Ali said.
She thanked 71 Television and Bangla Tribune for their support in promoting the program, as well as everyone involved in bringing the event to the stage, both in front of and behind the curtain.
Ultimately, Rabirag’s Barshamangal was more than a celebration of the rainy season. Through Tagore’s songs and dance, it offered the audience an aesthetic journey through Bengal’s changing seasons — and a chance to experience Srabon through its clouds, rain, joy, melancholy and longing.
