#Festivemusic: Kolkata musicians to regale Bengali diaspora after COVID gap

Bengalis abroad are all set to celebrate Pujo, with musical soirees and cultural activities adding to the magic of the countdown. CT speaks to musicians who are travelling overseas to perform at probashi Pujos after the COVID years. They tell us what to expect
Who is performing where?
Iman Chakraborty: Atlanta, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Dallas, Maryland, Charlotte and DubaiSourendro-Soumyojit: New Delhi and DubaiLopamudra Mitra: Atlanta, New Jersey, Austin, Tampa, BostonBhoomi: Columbus, Boston, Maryland, New Jersey, Atlanta, Milwaukee, ConnecticutLakkhichhara: Delaware, Massachusetts, California, Texas, New Jersey, Oregon
Catch the pulse of the audience
To meet expectations of listeners who wait all-year round to catch a glimpse of their favourite vocalists, many have designed special line-ups. Popular singer Iman Chakraborty says, “This year I’ve started a weekly series on social media where I belt out Hindi tunes. It has clicked well with my listeners and Pujo organisers abroad have specifically asked me to balance out Bengali and Hindi songs this year”.

Soumitra Ray of Bhoomi adds that they get a lot of requests for some of their lesser known tracks such as Padmapukur Blues, Hiya and Pub Akasher Gaan.
“While our lineups for Kolkata concerts include a lot of our originals along with a few Moheener Ghoraguli tracks, we mellow down arrangements for audiences abroad as we have observed they long for softer tunes during Pujo,” shares Debaditya Chaudhury, keyboardist, Lakkhichhara.
Back to the roots
The Bengal diaspora is extremely fond of songs that evoke nostalgia. “People who left their parents, childhood memories and home back here, resonate with my music. I will try to stick to my original songs while Joy will be humming a few of his own compositions” shares Lopamudra Mitra who will be collaborating with her music composer husband Joy Sarkar in the US for the first time this year.

Musician duo Sourendro-Soumyojit share that it’s gratifying to see parents introducing their children to Bengali culture and festivals through their music. Debaditya adds, “Probashi Bengalis listen to more Bengali songs to stay updated about new releases and collaborations than people here in Bengal do”.
Travelling made easy
Musicians feel the documentation process has eased out post pandemic, as both Iman and Soumitra received their US visas within 15 days, without having to travel to the consulate or stand in queues for it. “A travel agent took the Visa application procedure ahead this time, but we didn’t have to go anywhere for it,” shares Soumitra.

Iman adds, “Back in 2021, there were a lot of restrictions and rules when I was travelling to the US but things started easing out since last year. I applied for the Visa through a dropbox this time. It has definitely eased out the tedious process a lot”.
The dress code
To keep the festive spirit intact, musicians are opting for traditional wear. “We usually wear dhuti-panjabi during performances but this year we are planning something new with our clothing as well as the soundscape,” shares Sourendro-Soumyojit.

Iman adds, "Even though one can get away by not wearing a sari during a Pujo in Kolkata, Bengalis abroad go traditional and expect the same from us".
Proud to be a Bengali
If there’s one thing that unites all during Pujo, is their pride in being a Bengali. Soumitra states, “We seldom feel like we are not in our homeland when we’re performing at a foreign venue during this time. It is only when we step out that we realise it’s a different country”.
“Once you get into the atmosphere of Durga Pujo, it no longer matters where you are. An overwhelming sense of pride conquers all, the pride of being a Bengali,” concludes Sourendro and Soumyojit.