Bodhon 2026: St Xavier’s College Celebrates Bengali Culture, Creativity and Durga Puja

The vibrant traditions of Bengal came alive at St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata, as the Bengali Literary Society (BLS) organised Bodhon 2026 on October 3, transforming the college campus into a lively celebration of art, literature, music and the festive spirit of Durga Puja. Bringing together students, eminent personalities, performers and members of the wider Xavierian community, the cultural extravaganza blended traditional heritage with contemporary artistic expression.

The celebrations commenced with the opening ceremony at the Depelchin Auditorium. The Rector and the Principal addressed the gathering, formally setting the stage for a day dedicated to cultural expression and artistic excellence. The inaugural proceedings featured Trahi Durga, a recitation production that introduced the audience to the devotional and literary dimensions of the Durga Puja celebrations.

Adding to the festive ambience, traditional dhakis filled the college campus with the distinctive rhythms of the dhak, an inseparable part of Bengal’s Durga Puja celebrations.

The morning programme continued with Nobo Chitrangada, a dance production that showcased the expressive possibilities of movement and performance. This was followed by Roktim Nikhonj, a drama production that brought theatrical storytelling to the forefront of the celebrations. Together, the dance and drama presentations highlighted the diverse creative abilities of the student community and demonstrated how performing arts can serve as powerful mediums for exploring ideas, emotions and cultural narratives.

Fashion and traditional aesthetics found their place in the programme through Rupmanjari, the event’s fashion walk. Combining style, confidence and cultural sensibilities, the presentation added a distinct visual dimension to the festivities. The showcase celebrated the relationship between personal expression and heritage, complementing the literary, theatrical and musical elements of Bodhon.

One of the significant highlights of Bodhon 2026 was the guest panel discussion, which examined the relationship between art, literature, mythology and the changing social and cultural landscape. The panel featured eminent personalities Nrisinhaprasad Bhaduri, Subarna Basu, Sujog Bandyopadhyay and Tanmoy Chakraborty.

The discussion explored the enduring journey of art and literature, including the ways in which established narratives, mythological references and creative traditions can be understood differently in changing times.

Music subsequently reclaimed the spotlight with Dugga Elo, a music production that carried forward the festive mood. The musical presentation was followed by a band event at the Depelchin Auditorium, adding another layer to the day’s diverse cultural programme.

Alongside the main-stage productions and panel discussion, a series of competitions took place simultaneously at different locations across the campus. These parallel activities ensured that students could participate in a variety of events, ranging from intellectual challenges and literary expression to music and performance.

Room 28 hosted Prashnabaan, the quiz competition, and Motaantar, the debate competition. At Xavier Hall, students participated in Charitrik, a character representation competition, and Adwitiya, a duet event. The Big Parlour, meanwhile, hosted Gaaner Guto, the Antakshari competition, and Kabyarag, a recitation event. With different activities taking place simultaneously, students had opportunities to engage with diverse disciplines and forms of expression.

The festivities culminated in a much-anticipated performance by Bhoomi, which emerged as one of the defining moments of Bodhon 2026. As the popular band took the stage, the Depelchin Auditorium and the surrounding areas drew an overwhelming crowd of enthusiastic students. The atmosphere grew increasingly energetic as attendees gathered to enjoy the performance, singing along, dancing and celebrating together.

By bringing together established cultural traditions and contemporary forms of artistic expression, the Bodhon 2026 created a space where heritage could be celebrated, interpreted and experienced collectively.