Bornalee Sondhya: 29th March 2026
Bornali Sandhya began on a deeply respectful and emotional note, as we paid tribute to the founding pillars of our organisation — Dr. Dhar, MBE, and Dr. Alam. Their vision, dedication, and unwavering contributions continue to guide and inspire us. In their honour, a one-minute silence was observed by everyone present, creating a moment of collective reflection and gratitude.
We were also deeply honoured to have Provost Mary Montague of East Renfrewshire Council join us for this special occasion.
Despite a typically unpredictable Glasgow day marked by frequent showers, and significant parking challenges due to another event taking place at an adjacent venue, the response from the community was overwhelming. Over 200 people attended, making it a record-breaking turnout — a true testament to the strength and enthusiasm of our community.
The programme opened with a delightful Children’s Orchestra, where young performers showcased their talents in piano, guitar, violin, and vocals. Their repertoire beautifully bridged cultures, featuring works from Rabindranath Tagore to Robert Burns.
This was followed by a graceful Bharatanatyam performance presented by students of The Ghungroo Academy of Dance (Link opens in New Window), where children as young as five shared the stage with adult performers, reflecting the spirit of mentorship, learning, and togetherness within our community.
A major highlight of the first half was a dance drama adaptation of Mālavikāgnimitram by Kalidasa. While thoughtfully adapted for the stage, it retained the essence of the original work. The production creatively incorporated songs from Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Atul Prasad Sen, blending them with Hindustani classical music. Entirely created and performed by members of our local community, the piece combined dance, music, and recitation into a rich and immersive artistic experience.
We were also honoured to have with us our guest performer, Monidipa Seal, an accomplished Odissi artist who travelled from London. She presented two beautiful pieces — beginning with a Ganesha prayer followed by an expressive Abhinaya on Krishna’s childhood, and concluding with ShivaShakti, depicting the cosmic union of Shiva and Shakti.
During the interval, guests were treated to a warm and nostalgic culinary experience. Hot snacks — Chicken Chop and Mochar Chop, two beloved Bengali delicacies, were freshly served. In a true display of community spirit, members of the committee and volunteers worked together to heat and serve the food using four air fryers. Over 350 chops were prepared and served with salad and kasundi, accompanied by tea and coffee. This segment of the evening brought a sense of home and nostalgia to many.
At the same time, our younger participants were delighted with their favourites — Margherita and chicken pizza, adding to the festive atmosphere of the day.
Following the break, the second half featured a powerful dance drama based on the life and works of Hason Raja. This segment stood out for its energy and authenticity, with children dancing alongside live singing on stage, creating a truly heartwarming and dynamic performance. The use of live instruments — banjo, harmonium, tabla, and dhol — elevated the experience further. It was a proud moment to celebrate our roots and the spirit of the Baul tradition, keeping this beautiful heritage alive through the next generation. Special thanks were extended by the General Secretary to Sudip Chakroborthy for his invaluable role in shaping this part of the programme.
Overall, Bornali Sandhya was a remarkable celebration of culture, creativity, and community collaboration — an evening that truly reflected our shared heritage, artistic excellence, and collective spirit, leaving behind a sense of joy and nostalgia for all who attended.
