Shubho Noboborsho! Bengalis around the world celebrate Pohela Boishakh, the first day of their new year. It’s a time to honour rich heritage, traditions, and the beautiful Bengali language (Bangla), the second most spoken language in India. Duolingo, the world’s leading language learning platform, joins the celebration! Here’s a playlist of iconic Bengali melodies by Rabindranath Tagore, Kishore Kumar, and Anupam Roy. Immerse yourself in the sounds of Bengal and embrace the spirit of Pohela Boishakh!
Welcome Bengali New Year with Iconic Music
- Esho he Boishakh, by Rabindranath TagoreTagore’s poetic call welcomes the New Year, urging, “Eso he Boisakh, eso eso” (come, oh Boishakh, come come) & echoes the gentle breeze. Encouragingly, he bids adieu to past sorrows, stating, “botsorer aborjona dur hoye jaak, jaak, eso eso” (let the sorrows of the past year fade away; go, go, come, come).
- Nabo Anande Jago Aaji, by Hemanta MukherjeeIn the melodious tones of Hemanta Mukherjee, extend heartfelt wishes for a prosperous Bengali New Year with these lines, “Naba anonde jaago aaji naba-rabi-kirane, Shubhra sundar preeti ujyal nirmal jibane” which means to wake up with a new joy under the new rays of the sun, to a life which is bright, beautiful and divine.
- Kolkata, by Anupam RoyFor those away from their home, this song is sure to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and encapsulate the sentiment and essence of the city of Kolkata, invoking a feeling of longing for home with the words, “Kolkata tumio hete dekho kolkata, Tumio vebe dekho jabe kina jabe amar sathe” (Kolkata, you too look at Kolkata, You also consider, will you go with me or not).
- Baanglar Maati Baanglar Jal, by Rabindranath Tagore“Banglar mati, banglar jol, Banglar baayu, banglar phal; punyo hauk hey bhagoban”(The soil of Bengal, the water of Bengal, The air of Bengal, the fruits of Bengal; blessed be, O God)… Rabindranath Tagore through this ‘State Song’ beautifully penned Bengal’s essence by glorifying its lives, minds, forests, land, home, air and hopes.
- Aloker Ei Jharna Dharay, by Kishore KumarIn his timeless voice, Kishore Kumar expresses the desire to begin a quest for enlightenment, the pursuit of knowledge, and appreciation for the beauty in life’s simple things, stating, “aloker ei jharnadhara dhwie dao, aapnake ei lukie-rakha dhular dhaka dhwie dao”(Please immerse me in the waterfall of light, Please keep me hidden in the dust while soaking me in the essence of light)
- Ki Mishti Dekho Mishti, by Sandhya MukherjeeSandhya Mukherjee beautifully captures the delight and sweetness of mornings in her song, “Ki Mishti Dekho Mishti,” conveying that music transcends rules and leads the heart to unpredictable places with the lyrics, “Sura jharna mana mane na, Dana mele jaye urre mona” (The melody doesn’t follow the rhythm, The bee flies touching the flower, The mind is swaying like a breeze)
- Ami Banglay Gaan Gai, by Pratul MukhopadhyayPratul Mukhopadhyay’s anthem to Bengal, this song honours and celebrates all aspects of Bengali identity. With the poignant words, “Aami Banglai Bhalobasi; Aami Bangla Ke Bhalobasi, Aami Tari Haat dhore Sara Prithibir Manush Er Kache Ashi,” (love Bengali, I love Bengali, I come to the people of the whole world holding your hand) it pays homage to Bengali heritage and the deep connection Bengalis feel towards their roots.
- Ekla Chalo Re, by Rabindranath TagoreEmbrace the new year with this beloved poem, sung by renowned artists throughout the country wherein Tagore’s poignant words, “Jodi alo na dhôre, ore ore o ôbhaga, Jodi jhôŗ-badole ãdhar rate duar dêe ghôre,”(If no one holds up the light and the fierce storm troubles the night, with the thunder flame of pain ignite your heart alone, then let it burn bright) urge individuals to navigate their path with their own light, even amidst dark storms.
No matter where you are or who you’re with, these eight renowned Bengali songs will fill your Pohela Boishakh with joy. Let their melodies transport you, evoke a sense of belonging, and make you feel right at home.
Unwind, celebrate, and fully immerse yourself in the rich culture of Bengal through these timeless classics.
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