Iconic Mahalaya Akashvani Broadcast: Songs, Artists, and Cultural Significance

The Mahalaya broadcast by Akashvani (All India Radio) is an iconic prelude to the Durga Puja festival, deeply ingrained in Bengali culture. The program, titled Mahisasuramardini, first aired in 1931 and has been broadcast ever since in the early hours of Mahalaya. It features an enchanting combination of devotional songs, Sanskrit shlokas, and narration, all designed to invoke Goddess Durga and mark the official beginning of Durga Puja celebrations. The program, which is usually aired around 4:00 AM on Mahalaya day, has become a sacred tradition for millions of Bengalis around the world.

Structure of the Mahalaya Broadcast

The content of the Mahalaya program follows a well-established pattern, blending:

The format of the program typically follows this structure:
1. Chandipath Recitation: The central element of the program is the recitation of the Chandipath—the slokas describing the creation of Goddess Durga by the collective energies of the gods to combat the evil Mahishasura. These verses are often interspersed with explanations in Bengali for the lay listener. Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s voice reciting these shlokas has become iconic, deeply ingrained in the cultural consciousness of Bengalis.
2. Narration and Storytelling: The story of Mahishasura, his tyranny, and the intervention of the gods in creating Goddess Durga to destroy him is narrated with dramatic flair. The narration adds a mythical and spiritual depth to the program, allowing listeners to connect emotionally with the divine story.
3. Devotional Songs: The songs in the Mahalaya program are carefully chosen to enhance the devotional atmosphere. These songs, many of which are in classical ragas, glorify the goddess and express the emotions of reverence, anticipation, and devotion. The songs include a mix of traditional Shyama Sangeet (songs dedicated to Goddess Kali) and classical compositions that align with the spirit of Durga Puja.

Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s Contribution

The voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra is inseparable from the Mahalaya broadcast. His legendary recitation of the Chandi Path and narration of the story of Goddess Durga are considered unmatched in depth, devotion, and spiritual impact. His rendition has remained so beloved that any attempts to replace him were met with backlash, reaffirming his centrality to the broadcast.

Birendra Krishna Bhadra: The Legendary Voice

The most iconic figure associated with Mahalaya is undoubtedly Birendra Krishna Bhadra. His deep, resonant voice has immortalized the recitation of Chandipath. Born in 1905, Bhadra was a respected playwright, dramatist, and radio producer. However, it was his work with the Mahisasuramardini program that secured his legendary status. For many, Mahalaya is incomplete without Bhadra’s voice, and attempts to replace him in the program have met with public outcry.

In 1976, Akashvani Kolkata replaced Bhadra’s version with a new rendition featuring the then popular actor Uttam Kumar. Despite Kumar’s immense popularity as a film actor, the public rejected this change, and Bhadra’s version was swiftly reinstated the following year. His rendition continues to be broadcast to this day, with no other version managing to capture the public’s affection quite like his.

Pankaj Kumar Mullick: The Music Maestro

The legendary composer and music director Pankaj Kumar Mullick was another pivotal figure in shaping the musical legacy of Mahalaya. Mullick, a pioneer in Indian classical and film music, composed and arranged much of the music for the Mahisasuramardini program. His use of ragas and orchestration added a layer of emotional depth to the program, making it as musically rich as it was narratively compelling. Mullick’s contribution to the broadcast helped elevate it from a simple radio play to a musical masterpiece.

Mullick was also responsible for training many of the singers who contributed to the program. His collaboration with Birendra Krishna Bhadra was crucial in creating the harmonious blend of music, narration, and recitation that defines Mahalaya.

Key Artists and Song List

The musical aspect of the Mahalaya program is as cherished as the narration and shlokas. Many legendary Bengali singers have contributed to the broadcast over the years, lending their voices to the timeless hymns and devotional songs that celebrate the glory of Goddess Durga.

Here is a list of the most iconic songs from the Mahalaya broadcast, along with the names of the artists who have performed them:

1. “Jago Tumi Jago”

Artist: Pankaj Kumar Mullick
Description: This song is a powerful invocation to Goddess Durga, asking her to awaken and prepare for the battle with Mahishasura. It is often considered the emotional high point of the Mahalaya broadcast and is deeply associated with the beginning of Durga Puja.

2. “Bajlo Tomar Alor Benu”

Artist: Hemanta Mukherjee (Hemant Kumar)
Description: A hymn that beckons Durga to descend to Earth, this song captures the anticipation and devotion of her devotees. It is one of the most iconic songs from the Mahalaya program and has been loved by generations.

3. “Taba Achintya Rupa”

Artist: Dwijen Mukhopadhyay
Description: This classical song glorifies the goddess in her many forms, describing her as both nurturing and fierce. The song is often lauded for its soulful rendition and deep spiritual connection.

4. “Durge Durge Durgatinashini”

Artist: Arati Mukherjee
Description: A celebratory hymn that praises Durga as the destroyer of evil, this song is a staple of the Mahalaya broadcast. Arati Mukherjee’s powerful voice brings out the fervor and passion of the goddess’s devotees.

5. “Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu”

Artist: Various artists, including Hemanta Mukherjee and Arati Mukherjee
Description: This is one of the most revered hymns dedicated to Goddess Durga, praising her omnipresence in all beings. Different versions of this prayer have been performed by various artists over the years.

6. “Chandi Stotra”

Artist: Various Artists (Group Performance)
Description: A devotional chant from the Chandi Path, this stotra forms the heart of the Mahalaya program. The verses, chanted in a melodious and reverent tone, narrate the story of the goddess’s battle with Mahishasura.

7. “Anandamayi Mahamayi”

Artist: Dwijen Mukhopadhyay
Description: This devotional song celebrates Durga as the all-powerful goddess who brings joy and removes suffering. Mukhopadhyay’s classical rendition adds a deep spiritual resonance to the hymn.

8. “Shakti Rupeno Sansthita”

Artist: Manabendra Mukhopadhyay
Description: Another devotional hymn, this song praises Durga in her form as Shakti, the supreme energy of the universe. Manabendra Mukhopadhyay’s rendition adds depth to the song’s already powerful lyrics.

9. “Bhavani Dayani”

Artist: Pankaj Kumar Mullick
Description: This classical composition, sung by Mullick, is a tribute to Durga as the merciful mother. The song reflects both the tenderness and power of the goddess, making it a memorable part of the Mahalaya broadcast.

10. “Sarva Mangala Mangalye”

Artist: Chorus
Description: A popular prayer from the Durga Saptashati, this hymn is chanted in praise of Durga, describing her as the source of all auspiciousness. The chorus rendition adds a collective, communal feeling of devotion.

Other Significant Artists and Contributors

In addition to Birendra Krishna Bhadra, the following legendary artists have made significant contributions to the Mahalaya broadcast over the years:

Pankaj Kumar Mullick: Not only a composer and singer but also the key figure behind the music direction of the Mahalaya program. His compositions have become synonymous with the spiritual and emotional depth of the program.
Dwijen Mukhopadhyay: A celebrated classical singer whose soulful renditions of the devotional songs in Mahalaya have left an indelible mark.
Hemanta Mukherjee (Hemant Kumar): One of Bengal’s most revered singers, Hemanta’s deep, resonant voice in songs like “Bajlo Tomar Alor Benu” has become iconic.
Manabendra Mukhopadhyay: Another stalwart of Bengali music, Mukhopadhyay’s classical training brought an added dimension to the hymns and devotional songs of Mahalaya.
Arati Mukherjee: Her powerful voice lent itself beautifully to songs like “Durge Durge Durgatinashini”, making her one of the key female voices of the program.
Sandhya Mukherjee: A versatile singer whose contributions to Mahalaya have enriched the musical experience of the broadcast.

Attempts to Modernize the Program

In 1976, Akashvani Kolkata attempted to replace Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s iconic rendition with a modernized version featuring the voice of popular actor Uttam Kumar. However, this move was met with widespread disapproval from listeners who were deeply attached to Bhadra’s voice. The overwhelming public demand led to the reinstatement of Bhadra’s version, which continues to be broadcast to this day.

Cultural and Emotional Impact

The Mahalaya broadcast is more than just a radio program; it is a cultural event that heralds the arrival of Durga Puja. The nostalgia associated with waking up at the break of dawn to listen to the broadcast, often with family, has created lasting memories for generations of Bengalis. The combination of Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s recitations, the classical devotional songs, and the spiritual fervor associated with Durga’s arrival makes this a unique and cherished tradition.

For many, Mahalaya morning is incomplete without the sounds of Bhadra’s voice and the stirring songs that follow. The program not only brings the story of Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura to life but also serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connection that Bengalis share with the goddess.

Conclusion

The Mahalaya broadcast by Akashvani is a timeless piece of Bengali heritage, blending mythology, music, and devotion into a single, unforgettable experience. The artists, both vocal and instrumental, have contributed immensely to making this program a cultural cornerstone. While new technologies and modern media have changed the way people consume entertainment and information, the allure of the traditional Mahalaya radio broadcast remains undiminished, continuing to evoke reverence, nostalgia, and joy among Bengalis worldwide.

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