Soumita Saha’s ‘Rupang Dehi’ artfully deifies the Anecdote of the fierce warrior Devi’s divine healer avatar.

Usually filled with joyous expectation, Durga Puja is this year tempered with the solemnity of unjustly delayed justice. Fresh music and colorful ads greet the season, but the RG Kar scandal leaves a shadow of doom. Disillusioned professionals go to the streets with a veil over their festive enthusiasm as they chant for equity and reparations, stubbornly demanding justice. Soumita Saha wrote “Rupang Dehi,” a moving song she refers to as “aloy ferar gaan”—the song of returning to light—with the agony of dark days in mind. This song of optimism heralds the coming of the Warrior Goddess and promises that light will triumph after the chaos of the night. It speaks to our shared desire for resiliency and rejuvenation during difficult times.

Devi’s divine healer aspect is revered in Soumita Saha‘s Rupang Dehi, which skillfully depicts her as the Goddess of comfort and restoration. This image, however symbolic, quietly reflects the incredible commitment of contemporary women physicians who, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, eschewed personal comforts in favor of taking on potentially fatal situations. The song honors Devi Durga as the ferocious warrior while also drawing comparisons between the courageous women serving in the Indian Army and those bold activists who stand firm against societal injustices while brandishing torches and raising their voices.

The song was written, composed, and performed by Soumita Saha. Rana Mondal recorded it, and US-based sound engineer Nero James did a masterful job mixing and mastering it. Produced by Melotunes Productions and a joint venture under Western Music Records, it is set to be released on Melotunes’ own YouTube account as well as major streaming services.

This piece is indeed a stunning homage to the diverse courage and resolute strength of women everywhere.

Link of the song- https://youtu.be/p7JG8AJU2mw?si=cP2U1_lZX7CbURmK

Priyanka Dutta