(L-R) Filmmaker Mainak Bhaumik, journalist Arindam Chakraborty, composer Joy Sarkar, advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya, chairman of Techno India Group Goutam Roy Chowdhury, St. Xavier’s College principal Father Felix Raj, author Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, businessman Sanjib Koner, actor Ritwick Chakraborty and journalist Snehasis Sur at the Dashobhuja Bangalee Award ceremony.

From Mayabono biharini to Ranjana ami ar ashbona, St. Xavier’s College echoed with Bengali melodies at Xavullash, presented by the college’s Bengali Literary Society and St. Xavier’s College Calcutta Alumni Association, in association with The Telegraph, on February 22-23. The fest that began four years ago had a theme this year — Gram chhara oi ranga matir poth.

Not only were the competitions based on this theme, the entrance of the college got a new look too. Decorated with hay, marigold garlands and coconut, the rustic gateway welcomed students from 16 colleges of Calcutta, Delhi and Bangladesh.

Day 1 saw 10 personalities receive the Dashobhuja Bangalee Award, while events like fashion show, band competition and group dance ruled Day 2. Both the days ended on a musical note. Somlata Acharyya Chowdhury, with her band Somlata & The Aces, belted out popular numbers on the first evening. Anjan Dutt, Neel Dutt and Amyt Datta wrapped up the fest with a rocking act on the last day.

“I have been working for Xavullash right from its inception. Even after passing out of college, my love for this fest pulls me back. Our aim is to hold on to Bengali culture. We believe Xavullash will grow with time,” said Arijit Dey, adviser to the Bengali Literary Society.