Musically Enriched

Even before I came to Kolkata I knew that music was a big part of the city’s culture. I am just surprised at the extent of it! Its been more than a year now and not a day has gone by when I have not heard strains of music floating in thru my window. At times, it is the filmy music blaring out of loudspeakers which is the city’s unique way to celebrate any festival. Colonies rent large sound systems with amplifiers and speakers and play loud music at full blast! I have heard Bengali, Hindi and Bhojpuri songs, sometimes all together! Early in the morning or in the quietness of the night, I can catch faint strains of the sitar and a lady doing riyaaz. I once read an entire novel to this sound that continued till the wee hours of the morning. Today, the drummer is at it again. I have never really been fond of western music but i must say that there is something mesmerising about listening to a live instrument playing. Even though I cannot see the player, the passion floats thru the music. These little unexpected bits of music provide an indescribable joy to me. I don’t know why, they fill my heart with happiness. Whenever I go back from this city, this is one thing I am going to miss!