“Elar Fangna”( Bishnupriya Manipuri) , “Kabi Gaan (Bangla)” or “Dual of Poets” is a wonderful traditional aspect of Bishnupriya Manipuri culture. Originally Kabi Gaan is a part of Bengali culture then it was adapted by Bishnupriyas which has been there for centuries. After Vanishav Padabalis started becoming mainstream, Kabi Gaan slowly became part of the Vaishnav culture then integrated into mainstream Bengali culture.
“Elar Fangna” is a battle between two singers often accompanied by their fellow musicians where the lead singers sing songs on a pre-decided topic and try to outperform and outclass the opponent. Themes can include nature, love, mythology, contemporary societal issues, even lighthearted and spirituality from ordinary life’s perspective.
In a verbal duel, two groups or individuals of poets battle against one another to demonstrate their wit, originality, and command of language.
Since a large portion of the material is spontaneous, every performance is distinct and unpredictable.
“Elar Fangna” has been an integral part of Bishupriya culture for decades. When entertainment sources were not prevalent like today, people used to cherish these kinda events more than anything. However, this outstanding element of the culture is still in practise.
In this photograph, two singers can be seen singing on a theme. The theme was “superiority between Radha and Krishna”. One singer and his fellow musicians are trying to establish the fact that Krishna is the lord of this Universe. Whereas the opponent team is defending Radha and advocating the fact that Krishna is mad for Radha which makes Radha superior than Kirshna himself. This battle would last for unknown period of time until the point one party clinch victory. Often time it has been observed that the audience also take a part wholeheartedly and sing along with the singers.
The photograph was taken in the eve of “Kumbha Mela” took place in Tilokpur, Kamalganj, Bangladesh in 2022.
