Borgeet reaches Sri Lanka
The devotional Borgeet songs of Assam, composed by 15th-century saint Srimanta Sankardeva, were translated into Sinhala for the first time and performed at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This landmark event celebrates cultural exchange and the timeless spiritual legacy of Sankardeva’s work.
In a rather splendid twist of cross-cultural fusion, Assam’s much-adored Borgeet, the devotional songs penned by 15th-century saint and social reformer Srimanta Sankardeva, have made their debut in none other than the Sinhala language of Sri Lanka. If that’s not an extraordinary example of artistic exchange, I’m not sure what is. The occasion was none other than the 576th birth anniversary of Sankardeva, which, fittingly, was celebrated with great gusto at the Indian High Commission’s Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Colombo. This event marked a historic first—the translation of one of Sankardeva’s Borgeets into a foreign tongue other than English, and let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like a bit of devotional poetry to get the cultural engines revving.
Now, for those unfamiliar with Borgeet, think of it as a soothing melody with a dash of soul-stirring spirituality, all wrapped up in the neo-Vaishnavite movement spearheaded by Sankardeva. It’s the kind of music that could calm the most frazzled nerves, even if your train’s running late, or you’ve just discovered your mobile phone’s data balance is exhausted.
As part of the event, one of Sankardeva’s most timeless creations, “Narayan Kahe Bhakati Karoon Tera,” was translated into Sinhala, courtesy of Professor Upul Ranjith Hewawitanagamage from the University of Kelaniya. Talk about building bridges between cultures! The performance saw a collaboration of both Indian and Sri Lankan talents. Professor Ankuran Dutta, director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, did the honours with the original Brajawali rendition, playing the khol—a traditional percussion instrument that no good Borgeet performance is complete without. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Asith Athapatthu took the reins for the Sinhala version, accompanied by local instrumentalists on the esraj and flute. It was music to the ears, quite literally.
To commemorate the occasion, an audio CD of the performance was launched by India’s Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Satyanjal Pandey. If that wasn’t enough, the performance has also been uploaded to the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Sri Lanka’s YouTube channel, allowing devotees and curious souls alike to partake in this cross-cultural exchange from the comfort of their homes.
One can’t help but marvel at how Borgeet, born in the serene environs of Assam, has now found its way into the hearts of listeners in Sri Lanka, bridging gaps with its universal message of devotion and humanity. It’s a delightful reminder that music, especially when crafted with sincerity and devotion, knows no borders—much like a good cup of tea or the inevitable queue at the post office.
This initiative marks a significant cultural moment not just for Assam but for the entire South Asian region, bringing two historically and culturally rich nations a little closer. It’s not just about the music, though—it’s about the shared values of harmony, devotion, and social reform that Sankardeva’s Borgeets represent. And what better way to celebrate this message than by sharing it with the world?
The idea of Borgeet ringing out in Sinhala may have sounded like an unlikely mash-up, but it’s proven to be as harmonious as a well-tuned khol. Sri Lanka, with its own deep tradition of music and devotion, has embraced the Borgeet with open arms, and one can only imagine that this is the start of a beautiful friendship.
So, here’s to Sankardeva’s Borgeet—a melody that transcends time, borders, and languages. May it continue to inspire, uplift, and remind us all of the simple, profound truths of life.
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