I was not born when Mohiner Ghoraguli was formed. My first "Live" experience of MG was at the Calcutta Book Fair ground, listening to Gautamda sing, with just an acoustic guitar, surrounded by a group of young boys and girls all swaying to the rythm like some ancient ritual...it was mesmerizing!! Rupam was there too :) He sang unbridled and with no care in the world attitude and the guitar would pass from one hand to another... I have seen Nochiketa, Anindyo in the same group...somewhat unbelieveable today. But Gautamda brought everyone together on the grass (pun intended). For me it was Woodstock version 2.0!!
I remember when Gautamda passed away in June 1999, a memorial function was organised at the Calcutta University Hall on College street. It had been raining since morning and I remember taking the early morning local train from Rishra to attend the function, unwilling to miss even a fraction of a second of the event. All the old Ghora's were there including Ranjonda who was the Master of Ceremony for the day and Bulada who was overcome with emotion while playing the flute...Bishuda if I remember correctly was there too (apologies if I am mistaken). Gaur khepa was there too and Neel accompanied him with a guitar on a baul song. I was sitting alone in one corner of the hall, soaking up the events and emotions of the day...(a few drops of tears did manage to make its way through).
Just wanted to pen it down so that I dont forget where it had all started.
I remember when Gautamda passed away in June 1999, a memorial function was organised at the Calcutta University Hall on College street. It had been raining since morning and I remember taking the early morning local train from Rishra to attend the function, unwilling to miss even a fraction of a second of the event. All the old Ghora's were there including Ranjonda who was the Master of Ceremony for the day and Bulada who was overcome with emotion while playing the flute...Bishuda if I remember correctly was there too (apologies if I am mistaken). Gaur khepa was there too and Neel accompanied him with a guitar on a baul song. I was sitting alone in one corner of the hall, soaking up the events and emotions of the day...(a few drops of tears did manage to make its way through).
Just wanted to pen it down so that I dont forget where it had all started.
2 comments:
Yesterday's just a memory
Tomorrow is never what it's supposed to be.
-Dylan
Thank you Neelav for documenting it.
Post a Comment