For Mahalaya, tune in to Devi Vandana the appy way

Lucknow: Probasi (those living away from homeland) Bengalis need not fret over how to tune in to the legendary "Devi Vandana" that is broadcast on Mahalaya day every year for over eight decades. An array of Mahalaya apps, available mostly on Android, can bring the rendition - traditionally heard early in the morning - to you. This year, Mahalaya falls on Friday.
The apps, at least 10, which have seen over 50,000 downloads, have become a link between the Bengali legacy that sets the tone for Puja celebration and generation-Y which is loving the change.
The apps which can be downloaded in Android versions of 1.6 and above could be downloaded for free from GooglePlay.
The programme, first heard in 1931 on All India Radio, is a mix of songs, slokas and narration in praise of Durga and how she went about killing Mahisashur. While legendary music composer Pankaj Mullick composed the tune, Birendra Krishna Bhadra recited the shlokas.
Many are happy because the apps would allow them to listen to Mahalaya even later in the day. Tanmoy Das, a student, who downloaded one such app said: "Every year, I was forced to get up at dawn to listen to the 4 am broadcast. The app has come as a saviour." Listening to Bhadra's invocation of Durga on Mahalaya is a part of Bengali life. Engineering student Sumedha Chatterjee recalled that the early morning engagement was a family get-together. "I remember as a teenager, I made notes to understand the meaning of shlokas when the programme ended," she said
The advantage of listening to the radio-legacy at one's convenience has made elders turn smart and download the app. A retired bank manager in Aashiana shared that he missed the broadcast several times in wake of deep sleep induced by medication. "I felt guilty on those occasions. The app is a great idea," he said.
Lawyer Jayanta Mazumdar feels the same. "I would be in train on Mahalaya. I'm glad we have these applications," he said.