On the occasion of the 53rd Maghotsav held on January 25, 1883, the song Aji shubho dine pitaro bhawane was sung during the evening worship at the original Brahmo Samaj Mandir in Kolkata. This song was published in the Tattwabodhini Patrika in the February-March, 1884 issue and in the collection of poems titled “Brahmasangeet”. Pratibha Devi had heard some songs in the Kannada language during her stay in Karwar in 1882. Later, Rabindranath Tagore composed several songs in the same tune. This particular song is one of them. Indira Devi Chaudhurani said, “The poet creates music based on the good tunes he has heard either from his own experience or from the songs he has heard from others from home and abroad”. She added that “…he has offered almost all of those songs as an offering in worship”. Rabindranath created various types of music from this generous attitude towards accepting different musical styles. He composed many songs in his unique style, while also following the general trends of regional songs with their unique melody.
English translation (Lyrics) of the Rabindrasangeet: Aji subhodine pitaro bhabone
On this auspicious day, let us go to the ambrosial abode of our heavenly Father,
Let us go, let us go, brother.
We know not the extent of happiness that awaits us in that joyous abode
Let us go, let us go, brother.
The three realms of the universe are celebrating in ecstasy,
Let us go, let us go, brother.
The chorus of praise is ringing in heaven, let us sing in unison:
Hail the Lord!
Some useful information on the Rabindrasangeet: Aji subhodine pitaro bhabone
Written in: February-March, 1883
Age of the poet: 21
Published in: 1883, Rabichhaya
Parjaay (Category): Puja o Prarthona (Worship and Prayer)
Taal: Taalferta
Raga: Kanada-Khamaj
Notation: Ananda Sangeet Patrika
Swarabitan: Vol. 45
Notation by: Pratibha Devi
Purpose of this Rabindrasangeet presentation:
———————————
Tagore’s music resonates with people from all walks of life. His songs are performed at cultural events, religious ceremonies and social gatherings, reflecting their enduring popularity. In an effort to bring home this treasure trove to the non-Bengali population and Bengalis around the globe, Brainware University offers a selection of Rabindrasangeet in this presentation. It is enriched with details on the songs and relevant anecdotes.
Sung By
Sri Phalguni Mookhopadhayay
Chancellor, Brainware University
Phalguni Mookhopadhayay is the founder-Chancellor of Brainware University, founder-Chairman and Managing-Director of Brainware Consultancy Private Limited and founder-Chairman of Webguru Infosystems Private Limited. He did his schooling at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Narendrapur, and graduated with honours in Economics from St Xavier’s College, Kolkata. He completed his masters in Economics from Calcutta University and MBA from IISWBM, before joining Hindustan Lever as a management trainee. He worked as a market planner for the ABP group for nearly a decade before striking out on his own and successfully launching two private limited companies and one University. Phalguni Mookhopadhayay is a self-taught digital artist, a versatile photographer, a filmmaker and a weekend singer who has already recorded 78 songs and is now immersed in a project to popularise Tagore songs among a global audience.
