Speaking on rain and its impact on Bengali literature and songs, noted educationist Professor Anisuzzaman said, "We have six seasons but three of them are dominant. We feel the changes in nature and weather profoundly in summer, the season of rain and winter. However, the blistering summer sun is not comfortable and neither is shivering winter nights.

"Rain soothes us and nature. Who doesn't have fond memories of being drenched in rain on the way to school? At night we enjoy the rhythm of rain and though we know we might get wet, we leave the window open just for a little longer.

"Numerous songs have been written on rain. Tagore wrote songs on all six seasons. Majority of them, however, are on rain. This affinity towards rain goes back to ancient times. Mention of rain is noticeable in Vaishanv Padabali (written during the Middle Ages)."

The musical programme began with Subir Nandi's performance of contemporary songs. The artiste started with a self-composed song Brishtitey bhijey gechhey mon. Subir then rendered Ami brishtir kachh thekey Kandtey shikhechhi, composed by Debu Bhattacharya. He ended his solo performance with a song from Humayun Ahmed's popular TV serial Urey Jai Bok pakkhi. The song, Amar ghar-er chalaye brishti, received a warm response from the audience for its refreshing appeal.

Noted Tagore singer Rezwana Chowdhury Banya took the stage next and rendered Esho Shyamol-o shundor-o, followed by Bohujug-er opar hotey Ashadh elo and Megh-er porey megh jomechhey. Banya ended her performance with Shaon-o gaganey ghor ghanaghata, a Maithili song from Bhanushingha-er Padabali.

Nazrul artiste Ferdaus Ara was the last to perform. Though the theme of the programme was 'rain', the singer decided to greet the season with a song on Bashonto (spring) and rendered Kuhu kuhu...koyeliya. Nature must have been amused too, as it started to rain unexpectedly. The ambience was perfect.

Ferdaus Ara also performed Shaon-o raatey jodi, Gogoney khelaye shap and an old Lata Mungeshkar classic, Ashadh Srabon maney nato mon. An impromptu duet by Ferdaus Ara and Subir Nandi -- Rimjhim... ghano deya boroshey -- wrapped up the event.

Mamum Rashid, chief executive officer of Citibank, expressed his gratitude to the artistes and guests. Rashid also added that Channel-i will air the event soon and funds generated from sponsors will go to Liberation War Museum.

Incorporating guitar and octapad in Tagore and Nazrul songs is not easy and that was evident throughout the event. Musical instruments are supposed to complement the vocals, not override it. Perhaps, the organisers would pay more attention to these details in future.