Music & Film Screening: Kirtan Padavali: A Musical Tradition of Bengal

Kirtan Padavali: A Musical Tradition of Bengal is a curated cultural evening celebrating Bengal’s enduring and spiritually resonant musical traditions, presented by Smt Debalina Ghosh — an accomplished vocalist whose work spans classical, semi-classical, devotional and contemporary forms of Indian music. Known for her distinctive focus on Kirtan, Debalina brings both scholarly depth and artistic mastery to this genre, making her one of its most compelling contemporary exponents.

Drawing on her extensive musical repertoire and her longstanding engagement with Bengal’s devotional heritage, Debalina has created a remarkable documentary that explores the evolution of Kirtan — its roots in Vaishnava philosophy, its lyrical and musical structure, and its role in shaping Bengal’s cultural identity. Through archival research, interviews, and musical performances, the film traces how Kirtan has travelled across centuries, remaining a living, breathing tradition that continues to inspire communities today.

The programme will offer audiences a rare opportunity to experience this tradition in both cinematic and live musical form.