At CIMAGE College, Patna, the Durga Puja festival is not just a religious celebration — it’s a festival of art, culture, and music. In 2025, the college hosted a grand classical evening that mesmerized students, faculty, and invited guests alike.
A Musical Night with Classical Excellence
The highlight of this year’s event was the classical and cultural significance of the performances. The evening featured Padma Shri awardee Dr. Soma Ghosh, one of India’s most renowned classical vocalists, who enchanted the audience with her soulful singing.
Dr. Soma Ghosh and the Magic of Classical Music
Dr. Soma Ghosh belongs to the Banaras Gharana and is widely recognized for her contributions to Indian classical music. She was a disciple of the legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan, the Bharat Ratna awardee shehnai maestro, and her singing reflects the richness of traditional music. In 2016, the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri award.
During the evening, Dr. Ghosh presented a mesmerizing array of classical ragas, thumri, dadra, kajri, chaiti, hori, and devotional bhajans. Her mastery over melody, rhythm, and tempo kept the audience spellbound. A particularly memorable performance was the song: “Mirzapur Kaine Gulzar, Hamri Atarariya Pe, Mohe Panghat Pe…”, which captivated everyone present.
Shehnai’s Sweet Melody
Adding a special charm to the evening, Zakir Bismillah Khan, son of Ustad Bismillah Khan, performed on the shehnai, blending its melodious sound beautifully with Dr. Ghosh’s vocals. The music ensemble also included harmonium, tabla, octopad, synthesizer, and dukkar, played by Pandit Lalit, Pankaj Kumar Mishra, Virendra Srivastava, Subhash Mishra, and Ibne Hasan Sahab respectively.
This fusion of classical and modern instruments made the performance engaging for students and young audiences, showing that classical music can be both timeless and relatable.
Director’s Message: Connecting Youth to Culture
Speaking about the event, Dr. Neeraj Agrawal, Director of CIMAGE College, said:
“Events like these play a vital role in connecting the younger generation to classical music. At CIMAGE, we focus not only on academic excellence but also on nurturing students’ understanding of Indian art and culture. This classical evening during Durga Puja is a step towards preserving and promoting our cultural heritage.”
The event was attended by Megha Agrawal (Director), Dr. Neeraj Poddar (Dean), Dr. (Prof.) Vijay Bahadur Singh (Director & Co-Principal), faculty members, students, and distinguished guests. Everyone appreciated the performances and thanked the organizers for this cultural treat.
A Memorable Experience for Students
Students shared that listening to Dr. Soma Ghosh’s voice along with Zakir Bismillah Khan’s shehnai was an unforgettable experience. They expressed that such cultural events help them connect deeply with Indian arts and traditions, making their college life more enriching and memorable.
Classical Music Meets Modern Youth
In today’s era, most young people are drawn to modern music and digital entertainment. By organizing classical music events, CIMAGE College bridges the gap and introduces students to India’s rich musical heritage.
The evening showed students that Indian classical music is not only culturally important but also soothing for the soul, filling listeners with peace and energy. Dr. Soma Ghosh and Zakir Bismillah Khan’s performance ignited respect and enthusiasm for music among students.
Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan, and Kajri: Melodies That Touched Hearts
The event included thumri, dadra, kajri, chaiti, and hori, which left the audience enchanted. The bhajans added a spiritual and cultural depth to the evening. During “Mirzapur Kaine Gulzar”, the audience expressed their excitement with applause and cheers, demonstrating that art is meant to be felt, not just seen or heard.
The Importance of Cultural Events
Events like this are more than just entertainment — they connect students to Indian culture, boost confidence, and enrich college life. At CIMAGE College, education goes beyond academics. Cultural and artistic experiences hold equal importance, and this classical evening was a perfect example of that.
CIMAGE: Where Education Meets Culture
The grand classical evening at CIMAGE College offered students, faculty, and guests a memorable experience. Dr. Soma Ghosh’s singing and Zakir Bismillah Khan’s shehnai created an atmosphere of awe and inspiration.
This event highlighted that CIMAGE is not just about academic excellence, but also about nurturing students’ cultural awareness and overall development. Students shared that such performances make their lives more colorful, inspiring, and unforgettable.
At CIMAGE College, students are encouraged to develop a deep appreciation for Indian arts, culture, and classical music, making events like these a valuable part of their holistic growth.