Mahisha Asura Mardini : The makings of the famous radio program of West Bengal

 

The radio program "Mahishasura Mardini" is an iconic broadcast in West Bengal, marking the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities on the day of Mahalaya, which falls about seven days before the main celebrations. This program, aired by All India Radio (AIR) every year, has become a deeply cherished tradition for millions of Bengalis. Its origins, dating back to the 1930s, are entwined with the cultural and spiritual fabric of the region.

The Historical Context:

In pre-independence India, the 1930s was a time of socio-political turmoil. Bengal, in particular, was witnessing a cultural renaissance, with artists, poets, and thinkers deeply engaged in reshaping the region’s identity. Durga Puja, an age-old festival, held immense religious and cultural significance, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. However, the spirit of this grand celebration had not yet found a widespread modern medium of expression.

All India Radio, Kolkata, was in its nascent stages, and radio itself was an emerging form of mass communication in India. In 1931, AIR Kolkata, recognizing the potential of radio to reach a large audience, sought to create content that would resonate with the local population, specifically around festivals like Durga Puja.

The Creation of "Mahishasura Mardini":

The birth of the program "Mahishasura Mardini" can be credited to Bani Kumar, a lyricist and playwright, Pankaj Kumar Mullick, a legendary music composer, and Birendra Krishna Bhadra, a distinguished Bengali theatre personality. The trio collaborated to create a unique audio experience that combined Sanskrit shlokas (hymns), Bengali devotional songs, and a narration of the story of Goddess Durga's battle with the demon king Mahishasura.

Birendra Krishna Bhadra became the soul of the program with his evocative narration. His voice, steeped in emotion and devotion, rendered the verses and the story of Durga’s triumph with such depth that it became an integral part of the Mahalaya tradition.

Pankaj Kumar Mullick composed the musical score, which blended traditional Indian classical music with contemporary touches. This created a harmonious backdrop to the narration, elevating the emotional impact of the story.

Bani Kumar scripted the entire production, weaving together ancient mythology with modern sensibilities. His text was not just a religious recitation but a theatrical and musical experience, aimed at both inspiring devotion and creating a rich cultural spectacle.

The program was first aired in 1931. Its central theme, the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, resonated with listeners as a symbol of the eternal triumph of good over evil, a message that gained even more poignancy in the context of the growing Indian independence movement.

The Impact and Legacy:

What began as a radio experiment quickly became a phenomenon. The program struck a chord with Bengalis across different classes and communities, as the narration of Durga's battle with Mahishasura was not only religiously significant but also culturally symbolic. Over time, "Mahishasura Mardini" became an inseparable part of Mahalaya morning rituals. Listeners across Bengal, and even in far-flung areas, would wake up in the early hours of the morning, often at 4 a.m., to tune into the broadcast.

The program is structured in the form of Chandipath, which involves the recitation of the verses from the sacred text "Chandi," an ancient scripture that narrates Durga’s battles with various demons. Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s iconic voice, punctuated by stirring chants and songs, created an atmosphere that transcended mere storytelling, turning it into a spiritual experience.

Even after Bhadra's death, his version of the program remains the most cherished. In 1976, AIR attempted to replace Bhadra’s rendition with a new version by the famous Bengali actor Uttam Kumar. However, the public reaction was overwhelmingly negative, and the original version was quickly reinstated the following year. This only reaffirmed the deep emotional connection people had with Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s voice and the way he narrated the mythological tale.

Modern Times:

Decades later, despite the proliferation of television and other digital media, "Mahishasura Mardini" continues to hold a sacred space in the hearts of Bengalis. The program has evolved with time, with remastered versions and more accessible formats like online streaming, but the essence of the original broadcast remains unchanged. Every year, the morning of Mahalaya witnesses the same anticipation as listeners tune in to hear the same voices, music, and verses that have been part of their cultural heritage for generations.

Conclusion:

The creation of "Mahishasura Mardini" on Mahalaya is not just the birth of a radio program but the creation of a tradition that has endured for nearly a century. It is a masterful blend of art, devotion, and cultural storytelling, rooted in mythology yet designed for the modern medium of radio. Through the vision of creators like Birendra Krishna Bhadra, Pankaj Kumar Mullick, and Bani Kumar, what began as an innovative experiment in broadcasting became a symbol of Bengali identity and spirituality, celebrated year after year with undiminished fervor.