Probashis gear up for a musical Pujo

With Pujo almost here, the sound of Bengal is ready to travel to US, Canada, the UK and other Indian cities again. With musicians adding rhythm, melody and festive magic to the celebrations by the Bengali diaspora everywhere, beloved classics, new songs and live performances will bring the spirit of Kolkata alive for Probashis, turning every show into a joyous celebration.Spreading Pujo joy abroadPerforming abroad during Pujo is not just about being away from loved ones; it also carries the responsibility of giving Probashis a taste of their homeland. Lagnajita Chakraborty, performing in the US, Canada, and the UK with her ensemble Lagnajita Live, says, “The adrenaline rush of a good show is greater than anything else.” Antara Nandy of The Nandy Sisters, on a nine-city US and Canada tour, adds, “Travelling across the world during this auspicious time to do what we love is nothing short of a blessing.

”The weather, people and more

Performing abroad during Pujo brings its own joys and challenges. “What I love about playing abroad during Pujo is the beautiful weather, especially since it’s fall in most places. Even though the celebrations are packed into a weekend, everyone comes together with such warmth,” says Lopamudra Mitra who will be travelling the US this year with her husband Joy Sarkar and six other musicians as part of Joy-Lopa Express.

Antara Mitra, on her first US Pujo tour, says, “I’ll be doing four shows across the US, and I’m sure it will feel like a Pujo away from home since I’ll get to spend Pujo with my extended family there.” Somlata adds, “Once I reach a new city, meet the people there and share my songs, it feels very rewarding.”Organiser’s speak

Probashi Bengalis worldwide are ready to welcome Maa Durga. Jonai Singh, US-based concept creator, says, “Despite the US economic downturn, Bengalis remain unfazed, all set to welcome Maa Durga with full enthusiasm.”Pujo shows nearer home

This Pujo, few musicians are also performing for probashi Bangalis nearer home. “What makes this Pujo special is that we’ve been invited to perform at Rani Mukerji’s Pujo,” says Sourendro Mullick of the duo Sourendro-Soumyojit, who will also be travelling to Delhi and Bangalore. Somlata, who will be travelling to Bangalore and Hyderabad with her ensemble Somlata and the Aces, adds, “This year we will be including a few of my recent playback releases alongside our already popular songs in the lineup.

”We’ll perform in seven US cities and belt out classic Prithibi songs, a new track from our upcoming album, and some of my solo folk releases– Koushik Chakraborty, PrithibiOur setlist will comprise not just our own tracks like Jibon Chaiche Aro Beshi & Phire Esho, but also classics by Moheener Ghoraguli and songs from our newly released album – Debaditya Chaudhury, LakkhichharaThis year we will pay tribute to Bengali Pujo classics, and also perform our own songs & Durga Vandanas. LED visuals will support each of the songs– Soumyojit DasFossils will tour the US this Pujo and perform in Canada for the first time, playing their usual songs along with tracks from their upcoming album and a few from Rupam’s solo album– Allan Ao, FossilsOld classics and songs by Bengali ensembles are the kinds of songs Probashis look forward to