Note of nostalgia: An evening where melody met memory

The Dhaara Manch Festival, which was held recently at Uttam Mancha, Kolkata, was conceived as a heartfelt tribute to the rich musical legacy of Padma Bhushan Pandit Nikhil Ghosh and Pandit Pannalal Ghosh ji—two visionaries whose contributions continue to shape generations of Indian classical musicians.

The evening began with an inaugural ceremony, opening with a serene Guru Vandana rendered by Shinjini Ghosh, organiser and curator of the festival. Her invocation set a tone of reverence and continuity, reflecting the spirit of the guru–shishya parampara. The festival was formally inaugurated by Pandit Nayan Ghosh ji and Padma Shri Pritikana Goswami.

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The first musical presentation featured Koyel Dasgupta Naha in a vocal recital, where she explored Raag Bhimpalasi with grace and emotional depth. She was accompanied by Hiranmoy Mitra on harmonium and Chiranjit Dasgupta on tabla, whose sensitive accompaniment complemented the mood of the raga.

The evening was followed by a bansuri recital by Paramananda Roy, whose melodic phrasing resonated with the lyrical tradition of the flute. He played raag Shankara. He was accompanied by Ishaan Ghosh on tabla, whose measured and responsive playing reflected maturity beyond years.

The third performance of the evening featured Deborshee Bhattacharya in a vocal recital, presenting Raag Shuddh Sarang with clarity, discipline, and expressive nuance. He was ably supported by Anirban Chakraborty on harmonium and Chiranjit Dasgupta on tabla.

A special moment of the evening followed with the felicitation of the chief guests, Pandit Nayan Ghosh ji and Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty ji, honouring their lifelong dedication and immense contribution to Hindustani classical music.

The festival concluded with a captivating sitar recital by Pandit Nayan Ghosh ji, accompanied by Ishaan Ghosh on tabla. He presented Raag Jhinjhoti, marked by elegance and depth, and brought the evening to a poignant close with the beloved folk song “Guru tomar choron pabo bole”, leaving the audience immersed in reflection and warmth.