Harmony or Heresy? Baul Song “Gram er Noujowan, Hindu Musalman” Triggers Fringe Outfit

One would wish to start the new year with peace, but sometimes controversy follows. The Bengali New Year began with a fresh storm at Lakhipur as a widely cherished folk song became the centre of an unexpected dispute, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of unity and tradition.

The popular Bengali folk song “Agey Ki Shundor Din Kataitam” found itself caught in controversy after being performed at the Bengali New Year Day (April 15) celebration organised by the Lakhipur Regional Committee of Barak Upatyaka Bongo Sahitya o Sanskritik Sammelan. The organisers, confused and taken aback, expressed that they found no reason why this song would offend anyone.

A man named Saurab Das, claiming to be from Bajrang Dal, went Live on Facebook, calling the Bengali New Year an “auspicious occasion for Hindu Bengalis”. He argued that more traditional songs, such as “Esho He Boishakh” by Rabindranath Tagore, could have been chosen instead of the one performed. In the same video, he used multiple derogatory terms for the committee members—who come from various professional and social backgrounds—and even issued a direct threat. He openly acknowledged during the live session that he was giving the committee a twelve-hour ultimatum to apologise, or else face protests.

In response to the Facebook Live video, the Lakhipur Regional Committee held a press meet on Sunday. The committee’s president, Satyaki Das, along with Secretary Ranajit Das and Vice President Siyarambhai Yadav, offered a firm clarification. Satyaki Das stated, “We follow our organisational rules and constitution. We believe in harmony and the coexistence of all communities. The song performed was a widely known folk number. We fail to see how it could offend anyone.”

The Sanskritik Sammelan stated that they were ready to solve the issue amicably through discussions and deliberations and urged the right-wing activists to participate in a debate, which the Bajrang Dal members allegedly didn’t respond to.

The clarification statement issued read, “Instead of sitting with us for a discussion to express his concerns and objections, he (Saurab Das) attempted to escalate the matter by involving another youth to issue extremely indecent threats, thereby creating a toxic and unhealthy atmosphere. Such behaviour is enough to crack the sense of brotherhood and unity among us. The second individual, through his actions on social media, has insulted respected members of the teaching community and journalists in a despicable and dismissive tone. This has been both unpleasant to see and hurtful to hear for the learned members of society, and is indeed a cause for deep concern for the future”

“Nevertheless, we chose the path of resolution”, the statement read further, “by accepting the second youth’s verbal appeal and offering to resolve the situation through a written application and dialogue. But instead of valuing that opportunity, he once again returned to social media with threats and a show of strength. This is truly unfortunate”.

The Sanskritik Sammelan instead of “mudslinging or retaliation”, “pray to the Almighty for their awakening of conscience”. “If any unrest or violence occurs, we will respond peacefully. At all times, we will advocate for harmony and peace”, concluded Satyaki Das.

The song contains the line “Gramer Nojowan, Hindu Musalman”—a reference to the rural youths of both communities living in harmony. It recalls a time when society was less polarised, and people coexisted with mutual respect and peace. The song brings a stark contrast to today’s fragmented social climate, and this perhaps, unintentionally, sparked discomfort among certain sections.

“Agey Ki Shundor Din Kataitam” was written by Baul Samrat Shah Abdul Karim, a towering figure in Bengali folk music. Born in undivided Assam during British India, he later settled in Sylhet, Bangladesh, after the partition. His music and philosophy remain symbols of secularism and pluralism, transcending borders and beliefs.

Despite claims made in the Live video, Bengali New Year is not exclusive to Hindu Bengalis. It is a cultural festival widely celebrated by Bengalis across faiths. The Bengali Calendar itself bears influences from Buddhist and Islamic traditions, making it a true symbol of Bengal’s diverse history.

Historically, the calendar took its current form during Mughal Emperor Akbar’s reign, when he combined the Islamic lunar calendar with the Bengali solar calendar to streamline tax collection, creating the structure that is followed even today.

As the name suggests, Bengali New Year belongs to the Bengali people, not any specific religion. The use of a song like “Agey Ki Shundor Din Kataitam”, written by a celebrated secular Baul saint, should not be a matter of offence. Baul songs are deeply intertwined with the essence of Bengali culture; their soulful expressions resonate with the very spirit of the Bengali New Year, making them not only appropriate but profoundly meaningful for such celebrations.

Ironically, what was meant to unite, through music and memory, became a flashpoint. But as the Sammelan reaffirmed, they chose the path of peace, hoping that good sense would eventually prevail.

While one might assume reading this story, that Barak Valley has always been so unaware and intolerant, to quash such imaginations, here is the link to the song by Dohar, a band that has its roots in Barak Valley: