কমল নয়নকো | Kamal Nayanoko | Assamese Borgeet by Ranjana Sarma

মহাপুৰুষ শ্ৰী শ্ৰী মাধৱদেৱ বিৰচিত বৰগীত "কামল নয়নকো আজু পেখলোমাই গোবিন্দ পেখিতে নয়ন জুৰাই" ৰাগ- গৌৰি তাল- পত, প​ৰি কণ্ঠ- ৰন্জনা শৰ্মা Assamese Borgeet is a traditional devotional music form that originated in the Indian state of Assam. It is one of the oldest forms of music in Assam and holds significant cultural and religious importance. Borgeet is usually performed in the Vaishnavite monasteries called "Satras" as a part of their daily rituals and festivals. The term "Borgeet" is derived from two Assamese words: "bor" meaning great, and "geet" meaning song. Borgeets are composed in the Brajavali language, which is a mixture of Assamese, Maithili, and Brajabuli (a language associated with the Vaishnavite saint and reformer, Srimanta Sankardeva). Borgeets are typically composed in classical ragas and follow a specific structure. They are characterized by their melodic richness, devotional lyrics, and rhythmic patterns. The lyrics of Borgeets often depict the various episodes and teachings from Hindu epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the life of Lord Krishna. These songs are usually performed in a call-and-response format, with a lead singer (known as the "gayan") and a chorus. The singers accompany themselves with traditional musical instruments like khol (a type of drum), taal (a pair of cymbals), and violin. Borgeets play a significant role in the religious and cultural practices of the Vaishnavite community in Assam. They are considered a means of attaining spiritual enlightenment and are often performed during religious festivals like Rongali Bihu, Janmashtami, and Durga Puja. Over the years, Borgeet has evolved and incorporated various elements from different musical traditions, making it a vibrant and dynamic art form. It continues to be cherished and practiced by both professionals and amateurs, preserving the rich cultural heritage of Assam.