Chondoneer's gala event mesmerizes audience

FROM OUR Correspondent

Silchar, May 29: Chondoneer, a socio-cultural organization which has the reputation of organizing unique, inimitable and out-of-the-box events, has once again proved their mettle. Last evening at a packed auditorium of District Library of this town, Chondoneer hosted some of the finest events which comprise Zee Bangla famed Harekrish Halder’s Srikhul Sankirtan, songs, dances and playing of guitar by a large number of artistes of Lead and Beat. The function was iugurated through lighting of the lamp by pyre burners of Silchar Shamshan Ghat, Jong Bahadur and Bijon Das. The programme was dedicated to the fond memory of folk artiste and researcher Late Kalika Prasad Bhattacharjee whose untimely demise created a cultural void.

 The beating of the khul, a musical instrument which was earlier known as mridanga, mesmerized audiences. The playing of the khul along with other musical instruments like keyboard, harmonium, cymbals, flute, conch and bells filled the ambience with devotion, religiosity and spirituality. It gave an other-worldly texture to the event. Chittoranjan Debth, a Barak Valley based blind singer whose voice has already made a mark in the cultural world, was felicitated. A CD of his songs, Dotara, was also released on the occasion. Bhaskar Das said, “Chondoneer has been helping and assisting people who have immense talents but are uble to find the right platform.”

 It should be mentioned here that the members of Chondoneer have built a house med Swapnoneer. Such noble initiatives taken by Chondoneer have always been appreciated by the masses. The two guests, Jong Bahadur and Bijon Das, were gifted a basket of fruits. Shilpa Dutta on behalf of Soi River Tea Co Ltd, Moniierkhal Tea Estate said, “We are privileged and honoured to sponsor such an event. I am thankful to each and everyone for their support and guidance.” The auditorium was packed till 11 in the night.

 Bhaskar Das, one among the organizers and also a leading cultural figure of this valley said, “My dreams are coming true gradually. We have been organizing such events for the last 15 years. I would like inform here that the money which will be collected through the sale of the CDs will be given to Chittoranjan Debth. I am touched that Harekrish Halder will be performing for us.” Harekrish Halder also recounted how late Kalikaprasad Bhattacharjee gave him and others a platform to perform and rise. “Artistes like Kalikaprasad had gone, never to return, He was a gem of a human being,” said Harekrish Halder.

 In the fil alysis it can be said that such event occurs once in a blue moon. The impression of such a musical evening will linger for more days to come. It was indeed a unique event which kept the audiences spellbound till the end. There was uniqueness in every aspect of the event. Harekrish Halder and his fellow artistes enthralled, enchanted and captivated the audience. The rhythmic beatings of the khul and other musical instruments made everybody chant the me of the Gods. It was devotiol. Harekrish Halder said, “It is a temple, a pilgrimage for me, not a stage and audiences are the Gods.”