Actress Soumili Biswas donned the role of Durga to enact Mahishasuramardini. She was joined by Kohinoor Sen Barat , who also choreographed the dance

Vodafone Aagomoni rolled out Monday’s first section around 9pm. Titled Mahalaya, it had Soumitra Chatterjee’s soulful narration on the two diverse faces of Durga, scripted by Asit Bandopadhyay, founder member of Nandikar. The narration, which covered the onset of autumn, joy and anguish, was offset by the thumping of the tabla and accompanied by Suvadeep Chakraborty’s recital, Rita Dutta Chakraborty’s narration and Monomoy Bhattacharjee’s aagomoni songs like Trinayani Durga.

The second phase titled Togetherness was a soothing blend of ghazals, shayari and abritti. Arjun Chakraborty’s recapitulation of Gulzar’s writings in Hindi and Urdu merged with Bratati Bandopadhyay’s recitation of Meghbalika and Aagomoni. The duo of Soumyojit Das (on vocals) and Sourendro Mullick (on piano) punched classical and contemporary notes and ragas. Thrown in was a quirky twist to the You & I Vodafone jingle, Rahman’s Chanda re and the iconic Doordarshan song on national integration — Mile sur mera tumhara.

Tribeni brought together Srikanto Acharya, Indrani Sen and Rupankar Bagchi who dished out all-time favourites. Floating through a medley of themes from Puja to monsoon and romance, Indrani sang Ki shaaje shejechhe ronorangini while Srikanto came up with Brishti tomakey dilam. Rupankar strummed his guitar to Priyotama and gave in to the audience’s demand for 22shey Srabon’s Gobhirey jao. Finally, the trio jammed to Tagore’s Aaji Bangladesher hridoy hotey.

Taking the stage by storm was the music team of Anjan Dutt’s Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbona. Anjan began with the title song before introducing Somlata, the voice of Parno Mittra in the film, whose rendition of Jagorone jay bibhabori and Sakhi bhabona kahare boley had the audience wanting more. Amyt Datta was at his usual best, often stealing the spotlight with his magic fingers. Anjan’s Koto ki korar and his impromptu jig drew thunderous applause. Son Neel joined in with Majhi re (The Bong Connection) and Taniya (from Madly Bangalee).

The fifth phase titled String Struck saw Purbayan Chatterjee, Ratan Bharati and Raghab Chatterjee present a string-meets-vocal fusion on the emotions surrounding Puja. Raghab’s Chaand keno ashena amar ghore got an extra edge when the audience started waving their cellphones with the screens lit.

With daybreak, the Science City auditorium was suddenly taken over by asuras in different shapes and sizes. The sleepy-eyed audience burst into peals of laughter as the stage lights revealed the true identity of the demons — Mir and his Bandage team. The group pumped up the jam with their trademark banter. Dwaipayan’s rendition of Sadher lau actually had the audience dancing in the aisles while dhaakis joined in at the end. What a finale!

AUDIENCE NOTES

I came with my father because he’s very fond of Bengali cultural programmes. The mix of traditional music and dance with poetry and modern songs was interesting. The medley of music and poetry by Arjun Chakraborty, Bratati Bandopadhyay and Soumyojit Das was novel. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.”

Abhishek Choudhury, banker

I live in Bangalore and this was my first time at Aagomoni. To watch so many stars and artistes perform live was mind-boggling. I loved Tribeni featuring Srikanto Acharya, Rupankar and Indrani Sen and I’m a big fan of Mirakkel so Mir’s band was fun to watch. A great start to the Pujas!

Debjani Biswas, classical dancer and schoolteacher

I’m a regular at the Aagomoni event. This year was much better especially because it was held at Science City. The entire program was amazing but I liked Mir’s performance the most. He’s one of the few artistes who can do comedy and laugh at himself.

Sudipa Dhar, homemaker

We stayed right till the end. The Tribeni performance was really good. The concept of asuras by Mir and his band of boys gets a thumbs-up for its package of entertainment and fun.

Srijoni Datta, ass VIII, Mahadevi Birla Shishu Vihar

This is my second time at Vodafone Aagomoni. This year’s show on the eve of Mahalaya was simply great. I loved Mir’s performance — his team Bandage has shown how music and humour can make a great combination. I also loved the guitar gig by Amyt Datta in particular.

Anirban Biswas, class IX, Halishahar Ramprasad Vidyapith

I am thankful to my daughter for bringing me to Aagomoni. I liked the programme so much that I have asked her to bring me along next year, too. I liked the Mahalaya recital and my daughter liked Anjan Dutt’s show. In fact, Anjan and his team were superb. Those who were dozing off sat up and took note once his group took the stage. Anjan Dutt stage kaanpiye dilo.

Manju Chatterjee, 60, homemaker from Lake Town