Barun Kr. Das, The Bengal News, Kolkata : Pather Panchali portrays the unadorned life of rural Bengal: water-filled ponds, fields heavy with ripening paddy, village paths shaded by canopies of trees, and – in the autumn – groves of Kash flowers resembling fluffy white cotton. In the distance, a train rushes past, weaving a web of black smoke as if bound for some unknown, mystical land – accompanied by the wistful melody of a flute. In this manner, Bibhutibhushan painted a vibrant Alpana – a celebration of simple living – within the pages of his immortal masterpiece, Pather Panchali. Apu and Durga stand as the very embodiments of that simplicity.

In tribute to the memory of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, the noted music composer and instrumentalist Debojyoti Mishra has created a new Raga titled “Raga Bibhuti.” The distinctive characteristic of this Raga lies in the presence of Raga Durga in its ascending scale (Arohana) and Raga Bhairavi in its descending scale (Avarohana). This composite Raga encapsulates and preserves the rustic folk melodies of rural Bengal. Debojyoti did not merely create a Raga; he also composed a song set to a seven-beat taal. On April 19, 2026, at the KCC Amphitheatre, the noted music composer and instrumentalist Debojyoti Mishra paid homage to Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay – one of the most eminent literary figures of Bengal and India during a special performance titled “Apur Bajna” (Apu’s Music), featuring the background scores from the Apu Trilogy.

Through the immortal cinematic creations of Satyajit Ray – Pather Panchali, Aparajito, and Apur Sansar – the world was introduced to the characters of Apu and Durga. The musical scoresfor these films were composed by the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar. That,too, is a story of friendship between two kindred spirits. The event of the day resonated with a diverse array of melodies – tunes steeped in emotion and narrative, accompanied by songs that spoke volumes. From the iconic rain sequence featuring Apu and Durga to the poignant laments of Harihar and Sarbajaya – every moment was brought to life and expressed through the power of music. Through their artistry, Dakshina Mohan Tagore, Alokanath Dey, and Ravi Shankar carried the rustic melodies of Bengal to the global stage; on this day, all of them were celebrated and honored. The instrumentalists featured at the day’s event included Maishili (Sarod), Soumyajyoti (Flute), Debayan (Esraj and Tar Shehnai), Subhash (Sitar), and Sudipto (Vibraphone). The vocalists were Sonakshi and Aritra. An added delight was the performance of the flute melody from Pather Panchali by Hamptu, the grandson of Alok Nath Dey. Debajyoti Mishra remarked, “I am deeply gratified to have composed a Raga in memory of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay – one of the most distinguished literary figures of Bengal and, indeed, of India. I have named it Raga Bibhuti. During this special event, a Bandish (composition) that I personally created within this very Raga was performed.”