Kolkata, 4 August (H.S.) -West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday paid tribute to iconic broadcaster Birendra Krishna Bhadra on the occasion of his birth anniversary, calling him a pillar of Bengali cultural heritage and the classical voice behind Durga Puja celebrations.
In a post on social media, Banerjee said, “On the birth anniversary of Birendra Krishna Bhadra, the classical invocator of Durga Puja for Bengalis and a legendary radio broadcaster, I extend my heartfelt homage.”
Bhadra is best known for his iconic recitation of Mahishasuramardini, the Sanskrit devotional composition broadcast annually on Mahalaya over All India Radio. His powerful narration, beginning with the resonant Ya Chandi, has for decades been an inseparable part of Bengal’s autumnal festivities and has left a deep imprint on the spiritual and cultural consciousness of Bengali communities worldwide.
His contribution to preserving and popularising Sanskrit hymns through radio has made him a timeless voice of tradition, resonating every year in millions of homes as the festive season begins.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
