Ogo amar Aagomoni Alo
Jalo Pradip Jalo …
Whenever I come across the word ‘Aagomoni’, this famous song sung by Shipra Basu starts playing in my mind. Then, I remember the magical and sonorous voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra.
Ashwiner Sharodo-prate beje utheche aloko-monjir
Dharanir Bohir-akashe antorit Megha-mala
His voice continues to rule the heart of Bengalis. Whenever I think about radio, the first thing that comes into my mind is the voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra. I remember my grandfather used to change the batteries of his radio on the eve of Mahalaya, irrespective of their condition; so that he can listen to it in a seamless manner. It has become a habit for me to get at up quarter to 4 am on the day of Mahalaya and to listen to ‘Mahashashur Mardini’ on the radio.
The onset of Mahalaya heralds the countdown to Kolkata’s most iconic cultural event, Durga Puja. The invitation to attend the 18th edition of Vodafone Aagomoni topped up my Mahalaya celebrations. Vodafone Aagomoni is a signature pre-Durgotsav event, held every year on the eve of Mahalaya. This year too it gifted its invitees with a nightlong grand musical extravaganza, saw performances from music and dance legends – Hari Haran, Rituparna Sengupta & troupe, Debajyoti Mishra, Rupankar Bagchi & Konineeca Banerjee, Lopamudra & Subhamita, Band Advaita, Bickram Ghosh and team, to name a few.
The program began with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony by Hari Haran, Rituparna Sengupta and Shivan Bhargava. This was followed by a conventional welcome performance with the rhythm of the ‘dhakis’ or drummers. The tone for the evening was set with a dance performance based on the legendary tale of ‘Mahashashur Mardini’, presented by Rituparna Sengupta, Avirup Sengupta & troupe.
Tradition meets Tech
Vodafone Aagomoni is a traditional event. But this year something special happened. Vodafone is well known for its innovative products and futuristic vision. Taking its digital transformation initiative ahead, Vodafone Idea had brought two Vodafone Buddies. Buddy is a humanoid designed by Vodafone, to provide a seamless, engaging brand experience for its customers. These robots interacted with patrons at the Aagomoni celebrations and encouraged them to shake a leg at popular songs. This is a first of its kind initiative in the Indian Telecom Industry.
Kudos to Vodafone Idea for bridging the gap between tradition and technology. It was done in the best possible manner.
Wish everyone a Shubho Mahalaya and a Happy Durga Pujo.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written in association with the brand. The author was invited to attend the event. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are the author’s own. Click here to read the full ‘Statement of Disclosure’.
16 comments
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This definitely looked like an interesting event. Your writing was so vivid that I could almost visualize the proceedings of the evening.
Thank You
Looks like it was a very interesting event
Yes, interesting and exciting
Seems to be an interesting event. You must have had a lot of fun:)
A memorable evening….
Fascinating pictures! I’m sure the event must have been spectacular.
Seasons greetings to you and your family.
Thank You. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Navratri and Durga Pujo.
I have read so much about the Mahisasur Mardini song by Birendra Krishna Bhadra, that I have to listen it now. The event looks amazing through your words and it surely would have been an experience to be present there. Beautiful clicks I must say.
#readbypreetispanorama
It gives me goosebumps
Great initiative by Vodafone! Good that you were part of the event & enjoyed it. Hope more and more companies come up with such ideas to bring tradition & modern world together!
Agree with you on that.
Hey, love this concept…Thet should do something like this in other cities too
For Bengalis, Durga Pujo is an emotion. 🙂
Sounds like an interesting event had you hooked throughout the evening. Would love to keep a track of this event if it happens next year.
it’s happening for the last 18 years. Trust, you will enjoy it!