The celebration of the Bengali New Year inspired a cultural evening titled “Badhon Achhe Prane Prane” (Bound by Hearts), jointly organised in Dhaka by the Indian High Commission, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), and HSBC Bank Bangladesh. The event took place at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and featured solo and duet performances by two prominent artists from both Bengals: Aditi Mohsin and Shrikanto Acharya.
The venue, situated in Gulshan at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, was arranged in a restrained and orderly manner. The outdoor space was decorated with a canopy over a green lawn, creating a calm and welcoming setting. Audience members reflected the spirit of the Bengali New Year through their attire, contributing to an atmosphere of cultural observance and shared tradition.
The programme began with brief addresses by Pranay Verma and Md Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bangladesh. Their remarks highlighted the cultural significance of Pohela Boishakh, the humanistic values associated with Bengali heritage, and the cultural links between the two countries. Pranay Verma extended New Year greetings and noted that such cultural gatherings help reconnect people with their roots while fostering mutual understanding through artistic exchange. Md Mahbub ur Rahman emphasised HSBC’s commitment to supporting cultural diversity and the development of Bengali artistic traditions.
Musical Programme Overview
| Segment | Performer(s) | Notable Items |
|---|---|---|
| Opening solo set | Aditi Mohsin | Rabindra Sangeet and patriotic songs |
| Duet segment | Aditi Mohsin & Shrikanto Acharya | Collaborative Bengali New Year songs |
| Solo set | Shrikanto Acharya | Modern Bengali songs, gazals, and film songs |
| Closing duet | Both artists | “Eso He Boishakh” and collective finale |
Aditi Mohsin opened the musical segment with compositions rooted in devotion and peace, including works by Rajanikanta Sen and Rabindranath Tagore. Her selection included spiritually reflective and seasonal songs, gradually building a contemplative mood. She also performed patriotic and Tagore-based compositions, concluding her solo segment with a song associated with national identity and historical context.
Subsequently, Shrikanto Acharya was invited to the stage. A well-established figure in Bengali modern music, he performed a range of songs spanning modern Bengali compositions, film music, and Tagore songs. His repertoire also included tributes, reflections on musical experiences, and multilingual interpretations. He additionally acknowledged his long-standing connection with audiences in Bangladesh.
The concert reached its collective peak when both artists performed “Eso He Boishakh” together, marking the thematic culmination of the New Year celebration. The duet segment was followed by further collaborative performances, reinforcing the shared cultural space between audiences across Bengal.
On the following evening, a second programme under the same theme was held with additional performances and new musical arrangements. The event was attended by senior dignitaries, including Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khaiyam, among others.
At the conclusion of the programme, guests and organisers formally honoured the participating artists in recognition of their contributions to the cultural evening.